Ras Al Khaimah is ready for the most important half marathon in the region which will take place on February 24, 2024

Organized under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council of the UAE and Ruler of the Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah, the 17th Destination Half Marathon will take place on Saturday, February 24, 2024.

This edition of the competition will be held on a new route in Al Marjan Island and will also host a 10km road race for the first time. The RAK Half Marathon will bring many of the world's top athletes to the fore in the 21,1km main race, with thousands of runners joining in the associated 10km or 2km races.

It will be the first time that the RAK Half Marathon will offer a 10km race

It will be the first time that the RAK Half Marathon will offer a 10km race, a distance generally considered to be the perfect stepping stone for those looking to prepare for the half marathon. In 2024, the race will have a new route, starting and finishing on Al Marjan Island, a unique group of four artificial coral-shaped islands with excellent infrastructure.

Raki Phillips, Chief Executive of the Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority, said: “We are very excited to announce the new date for the iconic RAK Half Marathon. Since its launch 17 years ago, the event has forged its own reputation on the global competition scene, shining the sporting spotlight on the emirate of Ras Al Khaimah and attracting spectators and competitors of all levels. The annual race continues to produce world-class champions while bringing the local and international community together. "

The RAK Half Marathon is already attracting the attention of world-class athletes keen to test their skills in ideal race conditions in preparation for the London Marathon and Paris Olympics. Early 2023 saw a Kenyan double win in the 16th Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon with Bernard Koech winning the men's elite title and Hellen Obiri the women's race in 58:45 and 1st respectively: 05:05.

"We are honored to host the RAK Half Marathon, one of the most prominent sporting and social events in the UAEsaid Peter Connerton, Managing Director of Pace Events and Director of the Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon. "By introducing a 10km Race to the program as well as the option for teams through the Corporate Challenge, we aim to make race day better than ever while attracting the world's best distance runners. "