The weighty medals of varying sizes are embossed with the category, event logo, and individual race distance - 21.1km, 5km and 1km.

Gulf Today, Staff Reporter

It is the moment thousands of runners in next month’s Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon have been waiting for - a sneak preview of the medals they will proudly receive after crossing the finishing line.

Unveiled on Tuesday, the impressive selection of medals for the Feb.19 race features intricate bespoke designs and high-quality gloss and matte metallic finishes.

Organisers commissioned three designs and lanyards - one for each category of the event’s 15th edition. The weighty medals of varying sizes are embossed with the category, event logo, and individual race distance - 21.1km, 5km and 1km.

More than 2,000 runners have already registered for the fastest half marathon in the world, which takes place at Al Marjan Island. There are less than 800 half marathon places left available for the world-class international race. Platinum, Gold and two Silver waves are already sold out, leaving a few Silver Wave 5 slots and Bronze waves 1 and 2 available for entries.

As a family-friendly event welcoming a variety of ages and abilities, several non-elite races are also open for registration.

The 1km race has capacity for 500 runners, whilst the 5km race will include up to 1,000 participants. Again, one parent is permitted to run for free with their child (aged under 15) in the 1km race to provide support.

Entries for all races close at the end of January 2021.

Michele Napoli, RCS Sports and Events CEO said: “It is always a special moment for runners in the Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon to see the medals they are competing for. We take pride in ensuring that our medals are of a standard befitting this illustrious event.

“We are delighted with the number of entries we have received so far. It shows that people’s appetite for exercise, healthy living and competitive running is as strong as ever. We now urge others to sign up for a unique event that will put their fitness to the test and leave unforgettable memories,” he added.

“Once again Ras Al Khaimah serves as an impressive backdrop to this world-class sporting event. As we begin to navigate through the ‘new normal’ and begin the New Year with optimism and hope, what better way to illustrate this then with the Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon,” said Raki Phillips, CEO of Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority, adding “Without skipping a beat, the marathon is now in its 15 consecutive year and in celebration of the perseverance and resilience of our participants, this past year more than ever, we look forward to presenting them with bespoke and highly valued medals.”