RAK Half Marathon confirmed for February 2021

Registration for world's fastest half marathon opens in October

Ababel Yeshaneh after breaking the half marathon world record at the 2020 RAK Half Marathon. Courtesy RAK Half Marathon

The 15th edition of the Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon will take place on Friday, February 19, 2021, with registration opening next month, organisers have announced.

Officially known as the world’s fastest half marathon, the race attracted more than 5,000 international athletes and amateur runners for the previous edition, held earlier this year on Al Marjan Island.

Ethiopia's Ababel Yeshaneh and Kibiwott Kandie from Kenya won the 2020 RAK Half Marathon. The event saw Yeshaneh break the women's world record, covering the distance of 21.0975km in a time of 64:31, an achievement now ratified by World Athletics.

Preparations for the 2021 event are underway, with stringent safety measures to be implemented to safeguard participants, guests and residents, aligned with global best practice and national federal directives.

“Aligned with the strong upturn in the Emirate’s tourism and hospitality performance, we are delighted to announce that the Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon will be returning to the Emirate on the 19th of February in 2021," Raki Phillips, CEO of Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority said in a statement.

"We look forward to hosting the stellar line-up of elite athletes, as well as local families and enthusiasts to join in what is sure to be a memorable event.”

CEO of RCS Sports and Events, the organisers of the RAK Half Marathon, Enrico Fili said: “Once again, we are proud to support Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority in delivering the 15th edition of the Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon on Al Marjan Island.

"We witnessed fantastic results in the 2020 race, with Ababel Yeshaneh from Ethiopia smashing the women’s world record by 20 seconds.

"This result has recently been ratified by World Athletics and we look forward to having another unforgettable elite line-up in 2021 that will ensure the event remains the fastest half marathon in the world."