RAS AL-KHAIMAH: The Ras Al-Khaimah Tourism Development Authority has revealed an initial lineup of four world-class runners for the 16th edition of the emirates’ half marathon on Feb. 18.
The elite female category will see silver medalist at the World Athletic Championships in Oregon, Judith Jeptum Korir of Kenya, return to claim the title. With a fourth-place finish in last year’s race, Korir will also be looking to beat her personal best of 65 minutes, 28 seconds.
Korir will face competition from Hellen Obiri of Kenya, a two-time 5,000-meter Olympic silver medalist, who was the runner-up in Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020, and holds a personal best of 64:22. Last year she placed second in Ras Al-Khaimah in a competitive field.
The male elite runners include Ethiopian star Seifu Tura, who recently claimed second place in last year’s Chicago Marathon, and Kenyan Daniel Mateiko, who holds a personal best of 58:26 and finished third in this year’s Valencia half marathon.
In addition, race organizers have unveiled a first look at the medal which will be awarded to all finalists, which features an intricate bespoke design, with a quote from the event’s technical partner, Under Armour — “You are stronger than you think.”
The half marathon will return to Marjan Island, the coral-shaped location, which is home to the emirate’s white sandy beaches and several hotels and resorts.
