by Larry Eder
A record-breaking field with world leaders for men and women!
The 18th Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon is in its second year under the management of Pace Events, and the team from PACE did it in style.
First, a combined 5,500 ran in the RAK 2024 race last year. This year, three weeks earlier, 10,000 plus runners registered in the 2k, 10k, and half marathon.
The weather last year was foggy and humid. This year, it was windy and a bit chilly.
The pre-race favorites, Isaia Lasoi and Germawit Gebrzhair, were featured in the presser, speaking about fast times. Lasoi wanted to run a PB, and Gebrzhair had already run 64:14 in her 2022 win at RAK Half. Germawit had run 29:34 at Valencia 10k just a few weeks ago. Ejgayehu Taye, who had taken 6th in the Olympic 5,000m in 14:32.98, is a track athlete moving to the roads. At the Valencia half marathon, Ejgayehu ran 64:14. Like Gebrzhair, Taye suggested a speedy half marathon.
On Saturday morning, at about 5 AM, this writer walked the mile from the headquarters hotel, the Double Tree by Hilton Marjan Island, to the media center, right across from the start. I noticed a bit of wind, and the temperature was in the high forties Fahrenheit (about 7-9 Celsius).
I had noted that at least there would not be the humidity and fog of 2024.
Eight minutes after the planned start (the race team was waiting for some key individuals), the elite field 40 got off the starting line.
From the start, Ejgayehu Taye took off like the proverbial bat out of hell. When the sun rose, it was evident that Taye went out hard, as had all the women, but Taye was way out in front with her pacemaker.
The men’s race, without the pacers, ran at a more subdued pace, which we estimated at just over 60:30, way off the fast pace of the world leader.
A pack of 20 hit the 5k in a subdued 14:13, and the 10k was hit in 28:34. It was not until 14k that Alex Matata, who had woke up on Friday feeling like he might not be able to race, started feeling confident.
Matata, who was not on anyone’s shortlist for a fast time, had run four half marathons in 2024, winning four of them. All the times were under 60 minutes.
Matata Gemechu, Dida and Isaia Lasoi were up front, watching each other. One could see the wind, and the coolness of the early morning did not disappear. Who would push the pace after 14k for the men?
The answer to the men’s race was Alex Matata, who is racing for the LiNing brand. Matata, who has run 13:43 for 5,000m and 28:08 for 10,000m, looked like the man of the day. His command of the race from 14k on was dominating. Dida dropped back while Lasoi stayed close.
Alex Matata made his move with 1k to go and won the race in PB of 59:20. A gutty and determined Gemechu Dida outkicked Isaia Lasoi, 59:25 to 59:26, the prerace favorite, who told media afterward that he was feeling a groin issue post-race.
This writer believes that with a few pacers, the men’s race would have had a time under 59 minutes, no problem. I enjoyed the race’s organic nature, which was a real positive.
As I noted, the women went out fast in the women’s race, but the cold and wind took a lot out of the top athletes. Ejgayehu Taye ran unopposed at 65:52, which was not near the course record. Judy Kemobi of Kenya was second in 66:34, and Jesca Chelangat of Kenya was third in 66:53.
Excellent elite races, followed by over 10,000 in the half marathon, 10k and 2k. Something for everyone.
DoubleTree Marjan offered free entry for those staying in the resort.
I spoke with Dev, the manager of the restaurant at the resort. He had run the half marathon in the past and the 5k this year. He was happy to finish, and this experience encouraged him to consider rerunning the half marathon.
Like the six other United Arab Emirates, Ras Al Khaimah wants to be a destination for world travelers.
The RAK Half Marathon is a destination event. It has fabulous beaches, activities, a superb resort, food, and a cheerful staff who only want everyone to enjoy the resort.
We see this race continuing to grow in the future. We encourage elite Americans and Europeans to consider this half-marathon, which takes place in calm weather at a great resort. Citizen runners can combine a week of enjoying the resort with their families with running a race on the weekend!
Mark my words, the RAK Half Marathon will continue to grow. It is a gem on the global running schedule, a fast-growing event on the sports-crazy schedule in Ras Al Khaimah in 2026!
Stay tuned for 2026!
