Kipchumba, Kosgei and Kiplimo among stellar line-up for Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon

Gulf Today, Staff Reporter

Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) revealed the race route and technical sponsor for the 2022 Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon and announced a stellar line-up of world-class runners set take to compete in the highly anticipated race on Saturday, February 19.

Vying for top spot in the world’s fastest half marathon is Kenya’s Abel Kipchumba and Brigid Kosgei, who will both compete against recently announced international elite athletes Jacob Kiplimo, and reigning champion of the 2020 Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon, Ababel Yeshaneh.

With a goal of beating her half marathon personal best time of 1:04:49, current marathon world record holder, Kosgei, is an experienced and highly sought after runner and makes an excellent addition to the impressive elite line up confirmed so far. Kosgei’s achievements include second place in the XXXII Olympic Games Marathon, first place in both the 2020 and 2019 London Marathon and second place in the 2020 Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon.

Joining Kosgei is male elite athlete, Abel Kipchumba, who famously secured the second fastest time in the 2021 Half Marathon distance category, with an incredible personal best of 58:07. Looking to beat his personal best time, Kipchumba is expected to deliver an exciting competition and add to a series of world- class records which includes first place at the 2021 Valencia Half Marathon and 2021 Adizero Road to Records, and second place in the 2020 Napoli City Half Marathon.

The show stopping race will once again return to the stunning Marjan Island, set against the picturesque backdrop of the Arabian Gulf, treating all athletes to pristine views of the nature-based Emirate’s white sandy beaches and shimmering coastline.

Notorious for a fast, flat course, the 2022 Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon’s refined route will kick off on Marjan Island Boulevard, right opposite the Double Tree by Hilton and the vibrant Race Village. The race will then take runners on a beautiful course through the island, passing all major hotel destinations as they head along Sheikh Mohammed bin Salem Road, circle through Al Amwaj Avenue, before heading back to the starting point to cross the finish line.

The breathtaking race route offers spectators plenty of opportunities to watch and cheer athletes throughout the highly anticipated race.

As the half marathon nears, RAKTDA continues to prioritize the health and welfare of all participants and spectators in close coordination with the relevant government entities to ensure a successful event. The event will take place with robust safety precautions to safeguard the health and wellbeing of participants and spectators. Precautions include a requirement for participants to show proof of full COVID-19 vaccination.