The intricate bespoke design of the medals includes the Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon’s familiar runner icon and RAKTDA’s new ‘Rakahida’ logo, which is inspired by the ‘kashida’ from traditional Arabic calligraphy.

Gulf Today, Staff Reporter

With only four weeks to go until the 15th edition of the Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon, Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) revealed the official 2022 medal designs participating runners will proudly receive after crossing the finish line on Saturday, February 19.

World-class runners set to compete in the race include Abel Kipchumba, Jacob Kiplimo, Brigid Kosgei, and reigning champion of the 2020 Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon, Ababel Yeshaneh.

The organisers have commissioned four, stunning designs and lanyards – one for each category: Half Marathon, Half Marathon Relay, 5km and 1 mile, with each medal featuring high-quality gloss and matte metallic finishes. The intricate bespoke design includes the Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon’s familiar runner icon and RAKTDA’s new ‘Rakahida’ logo, which is inspired by the ‘‘kashida’’ from traditional Arabic calligraphy.  

The colours for the medals have been carefully selected and represent Ras Al Khaimah’s three key natural elements and core values, the sea with its perpetual swelling and subsiding, the desert with its undulating dunes, and the mountains with its staggering elevations. The design of the medals cleverly depicts the journey into the nature-based Emirate, starting with the exciting coast, slowly moving into the mystic desert, and then onto the greatness of the mountains.

In another exciting development for the upcoming race, organisers have also revealed details for the vibrant Race Village, which both spectators and runners alike can take advantage of. The Race Village will open its doors on race day, Saturday 19th February, allowing visitors to experience a variety of sporting and family fun entertainment, from 6:00am until 1:00pm. The village will offer a plethora of exciting and interactive experiences including an arts and crafts area, several sporting activities.

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 views of the 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.  

RAKTDA continues to prioritise 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, race categories starting in waves to reduce crowding, and hand sanitizing stations available throughout the race. Runners are also required to wear masks for the first 500m of the run and at the finish line, while spectators are required to wear masks at all times.