Dubai: The RAK Half Marathon with a prize purse of $150,000 (Dh471,000) will be held on February 9 next year under the patronage of Shaikh Saud Bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah.
Touted as the world's richest half marathon, the RAK event is all set to play host to some of the top long distance runners.
Organisers have been busy getting the 21.097-km course set around the beautiful mountain city of Ras Al Khaimah. The event will be licensed as an international marathon by AIMS Association of International Marathons and Road races.
The event, which is open to all, will also feature a Corporate Relay Team Challenge that comprises four members who will run approximately 5kms each.
A portion of the proceeds from the registration will be used to help fund community programmes for the benefit of the people of Lebanon.
The race was announced by Shaikh Ahmad Bin Saqr Al Qasimi, President of the Executive Committee of the RAK International Half Marathon at a press conference yesterday.
Sporting map
Also attending were Nathan Clayton, Race Director, RAK International Half Marathon, Malcolm Murphy, Chairman, Dubai Creek Striders Club and Ian Ladbrooke, Assistant Race Director/Elite Athlete Manager.
"The profile of the runners, the race and the generous prize money will put Ras Al Khaimah on the sporting map of the region and, in a few years' time, the world," noted Shaikh Ahmad.
"The race is an excellent opportunity not only for professional runners but also for everyone who is willing to take up the challenge," noted Clayton.
