Ras Al Khaimah: (WAM) The Ras Al Khaimah international half marathon 2008 is set to witness fierce competition with the world's best runners flocking the emirate to take part in the event to be held today.
These elite athletes will compete for a prize bonanza in excess of $200,000, making it the world's richest half marathon.
The race, which will start off at 7 am on Friday, is being held under the patronage of Shaikh Saud Bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah.
Long distance
The elite runners were given an official welcome at the Al Hamra Fort Hotel here on Wednesday which was attended by Shaikh Ahmad Bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Chairman of RAK Customs and Ports Department, and Colonel Nasser Muradad, Chairman of the race organising committee.
Among the leading runners who have arrived in RAS Al Khaimah for the event are Kenya's top long distance runners Patrick Makau, who won the second place in RAK international half marathon 2007, and compatriot Paul Kosgei.
Makau, 22, has breached the once formidable 60 minute barrier three times in 2007, with a best of 58.56, making him the world's number three at the distance.
There are at least seven male athletes who have breached the 60 minute barrier expected to participate in the RAK half marathon.
The strong women's field is also poised for fierce competition as the likes of Inga Abitova (Russia), Atsede Habtamu (Ethiopia) and Pamela Chepchumba (Kenya), among others, battle for dominance on the field.
The race, featuring a 21.09 km course around the beautiful mountain city of Ras Al Khaimah, will start off and end at the Manar Mall premises.
Nathan J. Clayton, race director, said that around 1700 participants have so far registered for the event, including the team relay challenge. He said that there are 27 elite athletes from across the globe vying for the top place in the race.
He said that a couple of minor changes have been made to improve the race course in order to make it easier for athletes to navigate turns.
