News DeskRAK, UAE – Under the esteemed patronage of His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, UAE Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, the 17th Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon unfolded with breathtaking performances from Kenya’s Daniel Mateiko and Ethiopia’s Tsigie Gebreselama, showcasing remarkable resilience and athleticism amidst challenging conditions.
In a dazzling display of speed and determination, Daniel Mateiko claimed victory in the men’s category, crossing the finish line in a stellar time of 58:45. His triumph was not without fierce competition, as he battled compatriot John Korir, ultimately clinching the win by a mere five seconds. Completing the podium sweep for Kenya, Isaia Lasoi secured third place with a time of 58:55.
Meanwhile, in the women’s race, Tsigie Gebreselama delivered a breathtaking performance, shattering her personal best by over 30 seconds to seize victory in 65:14. Her astounding achievement saw her outpace the competition, including fellow Ethiopian Ababel Yeshaneh, the 2020 Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon champion, who secured second place with a time of 65:44. Tanzanian athlete Jacklin Sakilu surprised many by clinching the third spot, showcasing an impressive improvement in her personal record by over three minutes, finishing in 66:04.
The race, hosted exclusively for the first time on the fast and flat roads of Al Marjan Island, posed unique challenges due to unusual weather conditions, including limited visibility caused by fog. Despite these obstacles, the elite athletes exhibited remarkable prowess and adaptability, captivating spectators with their stellar performances.
Both Mateiko and Gebreselama received their well-deserved trophies from His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Raki Phillips, CEO of Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA), and Arch. Abdullah Al Abdooli, CEO of Marjan, amidst an atmosphere of celebration and admiration.
Expressing his elation, Mateiko emphasized the significance of his victory, dedicating it to the late Kelvin Kiptum, the marathon world record holder who recently passed away. Gebreselama, on the other hand, expressed her joy at achieving a personal best and hinted at her aspirations to break the half marathon world record, showcasing her ambition and determination on the global stage.
Despite the presence of a formidable field of world and Olympic champions, including defending champion Benard Koech and Olympic marathon champion Jepchirchir, who faced setbacks during the race, the event saw an impressive turnout of over 5,700 runners across various race categories, demonstrating the growing popularity and inclusivity of the sport.
The 2024 Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon was made possible through the generous sponsorship of RAK Ports, adidas, RIXOS Bab Al Bahr, Channel 4 Radio Network, ITP Media Group, and Bisleri, further highlighting the collaborative efforts to promote athletics and foster a spirit of sportsmanship in the region.
