Benard Koech and Hellen Obiri were crowned winners of the men’s and women’s Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon respectively after an electrifying 16th edition. the finish line victoriously as winners.
Kenyan Koech set an impressive new personal best time of 58:45 en route to victory, followed closely by his fellow countrymen Daniel Mateiko in second place, with a remarkable time of 58:49, while third place was awarded to Richard Kimunyan, who clocked up a time of 59:37.
Similarly, the women’s race saw intense competition from start to finish, with Kenyan Obiri crowned the winner with an exceptional time of 1:05:05.
Gotytom Gebreslase from Ethiopia took second place, crossing the finish line with a time of 1:05:51, while the half marathon’s third place went to Ftaw Zeray, who secured a time of 1:06:04.
Speaking on the successful race, Raki Phillips, CEO of Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority, commented: “The 2023 Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon was a display of remarkable athleticism and unwavering spirit. We are thrilled to see our community come to together for one of our most important events of the year and to welcome participants from home and abroad. Not only does RAK Half Marathon remain the world’s fastest half marathon but it genuinely positions our Nature Emirate as a premier sports destination. We thank all our sponsors for their instrumental contribution to making this event a huge success, and look forward to continuing our partnership as we organize an enhanced experience in future editions to come.”
Luca Onofrio, Head of Mass Events at RCS Sports and Events, stated: “The 16th edition of the Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon saw successful results, all thanks to the wonderful weather conditions which enabled stand-out performances from all participants. Each year, we look forward to putting forth an incredible race that not only delivers an unrivalled experience for running enthusiasts but also attracts the top-ranking elite athletes from across the globe. We are extremely proud to continue achieving and surpassing this goal, working alongside the Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority for this landmark event.”
Kaarina Pagil, Vice President of Under Armour, commented: “Under Armour is thrilled to be part of such an incredible event, showcasing world-class athletic talent and bringing together individuals from all walks of life to celebrate health, wellness, and community. As a brand dedicated to empowering athletes everywhere, we are proud to support the Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon and its participants as they push their limits and chase their goals. We congratulate all the runners on their amazing achievements, and look forward to continuing to support and inspire them through our innovative apparel and footwear solutions.”
