Thousands expected for annual four-race running event
Ras Al Khaimah, UAE, January 30: Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, UAE Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, the Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon will return for its 18th edition on Saturday (February 1), with four races starting and finishing on Al Marjan Island.
Hosted by the Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA), the Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon is a long-standing sporting and social fixture that attracts community runners and international elites alike.
Iyad Rasbey, Vice President, Destination Tourism Development at Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority, said “Ras Al Khaimah continues to excel as a premier destination for nature, adventure, and sporting events. With the highest number of participants expected this year, the 18th edition of the RAK Half Marathon highlights the growth and strong community focus of our emirate.
“Sport tourism, a cornerstone of our growth strategy, not only stimulates local businesses but also enhances the liveability of our community by fostering healthier, happier lifestyles. We look forward to welcoming professional athletes, families, and running enthusiasts alike, and we wish everyone participating the best of luck!"
Featuring the title 21.1km half marathon race, the event also offers runs at 2km, 5km, and 10km for athletes of all ages and abilities.
This year, Kenyan Isaia Lasoi – who finished third in the 2024 Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon - will return confident of finishing higher on the podium after setting his new personal best in the 2024 Copenhagen Half Marathon (58:10), a time which makes him the fastest man in the RAK Half field for 2025. It’s also a time 40 seconds quicker than his third place finish 12 months ago.
He will be joined on the start line by the likes of Ethiopians Adamlak Belihu (58:54) – a two-time winner of the New Delhi Half Marathon – and Gemechu Dida (58:59), who finished fourth in RAK in 2023, as well as Kenyan Commonwealth Games 5,000m silver medallist Nicholas Kipkorir (59:02).
In the women’s field, two athletes are tied on half marathon personal bests of 64:14. Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon champion in 2022, Girmawit Gebrzihair established her personal best when setting the RAK course record three years ago, while her fellow Ethiopian Ejgayehu Taye recorded the same time when finishing fourth on her half marathon debut in Valencia last year.
A World Championship bronze medallist indoors and out, and a top eight finisher at the Olympic Games, Taye rarely races on the road, but comes to Ras Al Khaimah in buoyant mood and is focused on a record-breaking run in the Gulf on Saturday. In her only performance at the half marathon in Valencia, she finished ahead of last year’s Ras Al Khaimah winner Tsigie Gebrselama.
Also confirmed in the field is talented Kenyan Judy Kemboi (65:43), a relative newcomer to international road racing who won three straight half marathons in 2024 (Gent, Geneva and Riga) before setting her personal best finishing runner-up at the Copenhagen Half Marathon, also in 2024.
Race organisers are putting in place the final building blocks that will turn the roads into a running circuit with the start and finish lines created outside the office of the Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) on Al Marjan Island.
The Runner’s Village will provide an estimated 10,000 runners with a children’s play zone, radio broadcasts, food and beverage, a DJ and live music to keep athletes and spectators entertained throughout the morning. In addition, a 500-seat grandstand has been constructed to allow friends and family the chance to sit and support the runners as they cross the finish line and collect their medals.
For those who have yet to sign up to run, registration for the annual Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon remains open at rakhalfmarathon.com, although the last day to collect those important race packs and run numbers is Friday (January 31).
The 2025 Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon is also sponsored by adidas, Channel 4 Radio Network, ITP Media Group and Bisleri Water.
ENDS
(Left to right): Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon Race Director Peter Connerton; Kenya's Isaia Lasoi; Iyad Rasbey, Vice President, Destination Tourism Development at Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority; 2022 Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon winner and course record holder Girmawit Gebrzihair; and legendary runner Paula Radcliffe MBE.