Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) today 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 19th February.

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, Brigid 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. Additionally, spectators and runners alike can take advantage of the vibrant Race Village which will offer over a plethora of exciting and interactive experiences, inclduing live music, food trucks and family activities. 

Leading Spanish sportswear equipment brand, JOMA, has also been announced as the technical sponsor for the world-class half marathon. For the third year the sport’s brand will support attendees with high quality sportswear using innovative cutting-edge technology. JOMA’s light-weight MESH fabric t-shirts offer superior levels of breathability, keeping runners fresh and dry throughout the race. Featuring jacquard fabric that provides lightness and maximum breathability, the expertly designed t-shirts ensure greater comfort and quality performance.

Raki Phillips, CEO of Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority commented: “The unveiling of the race routes, technical sponsor and elite athletes of the Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon marks an important milestone for this 15th edition. The Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon has proven to be a huge success in previous years and with only a few weeks till the upcoming race, we are excited to welcome back an incredible line-up of athletes and sports enthusiasts to our wonderful Emirate”

The World Athletics Gold Label race returns to mark its 15th edition, welcoming back elite athletes, running enthusiasts and amateurs from across the globe, to participate in the record-breaking event. Organized by RCS Sports and Events, participants can register now and choose from four categories, with early bird prices starting at AED 330 for the Half Marathon, AED 550 for the two-person Half Marathon Relay, AED 100 for the 5KM and AED 60 for the 1MILE fun run.

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.