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The world's fastest half marathon returns to the UAE, with registrations now open until February 15 for the Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon 2020
21 January 2020
| Last updated on 22 January 2020
Free race pack delivery within the UAE for runners that register before the end of January
With the Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon only less than a month away, newcomers to the running event might wonder what distance should (and can) you do this year. Whether this is your first time tackling a half marathon or you're a seasoned veteran, the new year aims to set a lightning pace.
The 14th edition of the RAK Half Marathon at Al Marjan Island will not disappoint. With a stellar lineup of world-class runners including world-record holder Brigid Kosgei, South African Comrades Marathon winner Gerda Steyn, and European record-holder Julien Wanders of Switzerland, the "world's fastest half marathon" is returning on 21st February with new challenges and motivations.
To help you pick the most suitable half marathon category for you and your group, this short guide is here to give you some tips about the four race categories, including how to best prepare yourself physically before the event.
21.1 km half marathon
The 21.1-kilometre long half marathon will run a flat course across the picturesque white sands of Al Marjan Island with lovely views of the Arabian Gulf, and a 3-hour cut-off time.
This is best recommend for experienced and intermediate runners as this is the course that the RAK Half Marathon world-class athletes will be competing in for the grand prize. The half marathon is also suited for those who wish to run their first half marathon. However, as long as you are confident you can do the distance, anyone can enter.
For the 21.1 km category, runners are advised to use comfortable, light wear footwear with a strong amount of cushioning, along with an extra pair as well. This helps in reducing the risks of injury during the half marathon, and switching your running shoes for another pair helps protect both shoes' life expectancy.
Half marathon relays
If you're not yet ready to log in that 21.1 km half marathon, try the half marathon relay. The RAK Half Marathon relay categories are available in courses for teams of four or teams of two.
The relay category allows a group of runners to complete the race by doing one or more legs with different distances, making it a fantastic way to enjoy the athletic spirit and camaraderie of the RAK Half Marathon without going the full distance.
5 km run
The 5 km run is perfect for first-timers, casual runners, and intermediate runners. Wear a high cushioning, lightweight shoe to help avoid pushing your feet too far and risking injury.
1 km Fun Run
RAK Half Marathon's 1 km long "Fun Run" is a casual, family-friendly category for children. For adults, this marathon course is entry-level and only requires the type of shoes you would usually wear to the gym or for casual exercise. For every child registered at the 1 km Fun Run, one parent can join the family race for free!
Training sessions
With the race day approaching, training sessions have already kick-off in Dubai and Ras Al Khaimah. To help you prepare yourself for the upcoming RAK Half Marathon, here's where the training sessions are happening in January and February:
In Dubai
Dubai Sports City Track
- When: January 13 - February 10, 2020
- Timing: Every Monday at 7:15 pm
Umm Suqeim Beach
- When: January 15 - February 12
- Timing: Every Wednesday at 6:15 am
Autodrome in Motor City, with Fitness First
- When: January 22 - February 12
- Timing: Every Wesnesday at 7 pm
In Ras Al Khaimah
Al Marjan Island
- When: January 17 - February 14
- Timing: Every Friday at 8 am
Registrations are now open
A special corporate bulk discount is available for groups, making this event an ideal team bonding activity.
The Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon runners will be competing for a grand prize of AED 1,219,000 distributed across the front-runners of elites as well as the UAE National and age group categories.
Registration will remain open until the 15th of February whereas bookings for bus services to Ras Al Khaimah from Sharjah, Dubai and Abu Dhabi can be made during registration until the end of January through the website: www.therakhalfmarathon.com
All runners that register before the end of January also secure a free race pack delivery within the UAE.
Participants can enjoy an array of exclusive offers on the iconic Al Murjan Island across several of Ras Al Khaimah’s best hotels and attractions offering an ideal action-packed weekend in the recently named "Gulf Tourism Capital".
