Star-studded lineup revealed for Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon

An elite field of 28 world-class athletes will compete for the top spot at the Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon on Saturday.

The 16th edition of the race, taking place on Marjan Island, features a prize pool of over AED 1.2 million.

Organisers said over 5,300 runners have registered to participate across the half marathon, half marathon relay, 5 km, and 1 mile race categories.

Male Elite Athletes:

The elite men's field will see Seifu Tura, Daniel Mateiko, and Kennedy Kimutai, all returning to Ras Al Khaimah to compete for the winning prize and beat their performances in last year’s edition.

With a personal best time of 58:36, Ethiopian star Tura finished fourth in last year’s race and holds the accolade as the winner of the Chicago Marathon 2021.

Adding to the fierce competition, Kenya's Mateiko, with a personal best time of 58:26 set at the Valencia Half Marathon 2021, secured sixth place at the Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon 2022, among other leading titles under his belt.

Also hailing from Kenya, Kimutai will be participating in the race for the second consecutive year as he aims to top his previous performance and beat his personal best time of 58:28.

Female Elite Athletes:

The female elite category will feature Hellen Obiri, Brigid Jepchirchir Kosgei, and Gotytom Gebreslase at the start line on Saturday.

Kenya’s Kosgei holds a personal best time of 64:28 and previously placed second in the Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon 2020.

She is also the world record holder at the Chicago Marathon 2019 and a silver medalist at the Tokyo Olympics 2020.

Ethiopia’s Gebreslase is the World Marathon Champion of Oregon 2022 with a personal best time of 65:36 and a marathon personal best time of 2:18:11.

She is also the winner of the Berlin Marathon 2021, making her a World Marathon Majors winner. 

Joining both excellent runners is Obiri of Kenya, who has a half marathon personal best of 64:22, is a two-time 5,000-metre Olympic silver medalist –  secured in Rio de Janeiro 2016 and Tokyo 2020 – and also entered the Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon 2022, placing second in a competitive field.

The vibrant race village on Marjan Island will open its doors on race day, from 5:30 am until 1:00 pm, offering exciting and interactive experiences for participants along the fantastic race course and for families and spectators alike.

Set your alarms and get an early start! Don't forget to be at @almarjanisland at least 30 minutes before the race begins. We can't wait to see you all there! pic.twitter.com/pzWY7odhEO

— Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon (@rakhalfmarathon) February 17, 2023