Gulf Today, Staff Reporter
 

With less than 24 hours to go until the 15th edition of the world’s fastest half marathon, Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) on Friday welcomed six elite athletes set to compete in the 2022 Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon to a press conference on Marjan Island.

The press conference was attended by Raki Phillips, CEO of Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority  and Andrea Trabuio, Race Director of Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon, along with international athletes including Jacob Kiplimo, the world half marathon record holder, Abel Kipchumba, the 2021 second fastest half marathon runner, Ababel Yeshaneh, the reigning champion of the 2020 Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon, Hellen Obiri, two times Olympic 5000m silver medalist and two times 5000m World Champion, Amanal Petros and Genzebe Dibaba.

During the press conference, it was announced that the much anticipated return of the Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon will see 44 of the world’s top ranking runners compete for the winning spot and a piece of the staggering Dhs1,219,000 prize fund, with 14 female and 30 male athletes confirmed. In addition to the elite runners present at the press conference, the elite field for the gold-label race will see male athletes, Alexander Mutiso, Philemon Kiplimo, Kennedy Kimutai and Amdework Walelegn and female athletes, Sheila Chepkirui, Eilish McColgan, and Gerda Steyn.

Speaking on the exceptional line up for the upcoming race, Phillips said: “We are extremely excited to be back for the 15th edition of the Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon with some of the world’s best elite runners coming to the Emirate.

“We’re hopeful to break even more records this year as we welcome back previous elite participants, aiming to defend their positions and top their personal best times. As we get closer to the race, we also look forward to welcoming running enthusiasts and spectators to our stunning Emirate for what is set to be an unforgettable experience”.

Fierce competition is expected with Kenya’s Mutiso, returning to top his place as second in the 2020 Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon and beat his personal best time of 57:59. Mutiso also secured 1st in the 2020 Santa Pola International Half Marathon and most recently, came 2nd in the 2021 Adizero Road to Records Half Marathon.

Kenyans, Kiplimo and Kimutai, are also confirmed to compete on the flat and fast course and top their respective personal best times of 58:11 and 58:28. Kiplimo is the renowned winner of the 2021 Bahrain Night Half Marathon and also holds excellent records in the 2021 Berlin Half Marathon, 2021 Valencia Half Marathon and the 2020 Prague Half Marathon where he finished in 3rd, 5th and 2nd place, respectively. Also vying for top spot is Kimutai, who recently came 4th in the 2021 Valencia Half Marathon and previously secured 4th place at the 2019 Cardiff Half Marathon.

Returning to fight for victory at the much-awaited race in February is Ethiopian Walelegn, who has a personal best time of 58:53 and finished 8th in the 2019 Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon. Walelegn will join the race after notable wins at the 2021 Copenhagen Half Marathon and 2020 Delhi Half Marathon.

The female field will welcome Kenyan Chepkirui and Ethiopian Dibaba. With a personal best time of 1.04:51, Chepkirui will join the race following a successful season in 2021 which saw her finish in 2nd place in the 2021 Adizero Road to Records 10K and 3rd place in both the 2021 Valencia Half Marathon and 2021 Bahrain Night Half Marathon.