by Alfonz Juck
Tirunesh Dibaba, photo by PhotoRun.net
Jemima Sumgong, photo by PhotoRun.net
Jemima Sumgong vs Tirunesh Dibaba
RAS-AL-KHAIMAH (UAE): The 11th edition of the RAK Half Marathon on Friday 10th February will have top line-up with 12 men having sub one hour best. On the women side Rio Olympic Marathon Champion Jemima Sumgong will find it no easier this time round. She’ll be severely tested by three-time Olympic champion Tirunesh Dibaba, reigning IAAF World Half Marathon Champion Peres Jepchirchir and course record holder and three-time New York Marathon champion Mary Keitany, who set a world record here in 2011 of 65:50. Eight women in the line-up have run under 68 minutes. For the men, Patrick Makau’s 58:52 race record of 2009 could be under serious threat, with two of the pacemakers being sub-60 minute performers themselves. Stanley Biwott returns after his second last year, Eritrea’s Nguse Amlosom took 3rd last year, and Bahrain’s Abraham Cheroben 4th. One of the form is Daniel Wanjiru, Amsterdam Marathon winner last October and RAK runner-up in 2015. However, perhaps the most fascinating addition to the field, is Kenya’s Augustine Choge, who in only his second ever half marathon last November, placed 3rd in New Delhi, in a tantalising 60:01 and who feels that he’s only scratched the surface of his potential at this new event. The Elite Women start at 6.45am UAE time, the men 15 minutes later and all is being covered on live local TV. From the organisers.
RunBlogRun opines: The RAK half marathon is a fast and competitive race. This half marathon has some of the finest times each and every year. Watch for the results on Friday!
