Early on Friday morning more than 3,500 runners from 98 countries gathered in Ras Al Khaimah for the 10th edition of the world’s fastest half marathon. Among the participants were the greatest east African runners on the planet all vying for a world record on a flat course that weaves past the Mangrove Swamp, Al Qaqasime Corniche and the Ruler’s Palace over its 21-km course.
First staged in 2007, the RAK half marathon is dubbed the world’s fastest because several male and female records have been set on the course. Given its reputation and the excellent organisation of the event, it has become a great place for novice and competitive runners to set their own personal records for the half marathon distance.
The runners received a warm welcome from RAK residents, with even the on-duty police applauding the participants. The half marathon has cemented its place in the runners’ calendar, and has helped boost the emirate’s international appeal as a destination.