Kiprop, Teferi win RAK Half Marathon’s elite titles
ras al khaimah — Stephen Kiprop of Kenya and Senbere Teferi of Ethiopia won the men’s and women’s elite titles at the 13th edition of the RAK Half Marathon on Friday, a press release said.
It was the first time the race was held in its brand-new course on the southern bay of Ras Al Khaimah, and also the first time that the new mini marathon categories were introduced.
Kiprop finished the race at 58 minutes- 42 seconds and Teferi clocked 65 minutes- 45 seconds.
Meanwhile, Julien Wanders broke the European record with 59 minutes- 13 seconds.
There were notable winners in the UAE residents and UAE nationals’ categories. The winner of the male resident category is Tamri Ahmed, and Gerda Steyn won the female category, while Mubarak Al Marashda won the UAE national category.
The grand success of the event delighted Haitham Mattar, CEO of Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority.
“RAKTDA is delighted to be hosting the 13th Edition of the Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon. This year has been one of the biggest editions with almost 4,000 registered runners taking part representing more than 100 nationalities. Not only does this event attract runners and fans from across the region and beyond, but we hope it will also inspire more enthusiasts to take part in it annually,” Mattar said.
“Sports and adventure tourism is key to Ras al Khaimah’s tourism development strategy and the Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon is an important addition to our sport events calendar. High profile events of this nature also help us attract an increasing number of international visitors and UAE residents who also want to experience everything Ras Al Khaimah has to offer.”
The beautiful Friday morning saw 3,031 participants in the half marathon.