The Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon is set to return for its 18th edition on February 1, 2025. This event, held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, UAE Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, will take place on Al Marjan Island and feature four different races.

Hosted by the Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA), the marathon is a popular event for both community runners and international elite athletes. The main race is the 21.1km half marathon, but there will also be 10km, 5km, and 2km runs available, catering to athletes of all ages and abilities.

"We are excited to announce the return of one of the most highly anticipated global sporting events in the Nature Emirate for the 18th year. The race never fails to produce world-class champions and we look forward once again to welcoming back an incredible line-up of elite athletes, sporting enthusiasts and tourists from across the globe.”

Raki Phillips, CEO of RAKTDA

Registration is now open, and participants can take advantage of early registration promotions until September 30. The entry fees for early registration are USD 50 (AED 185) for the Half Marathon, USD 30 (AED 110) for the 10km race, USD 20 (AED 74) for the 5km race, and USD 10 (AED 37) for the 2km race.

"With six months to go, we are pleased to be able to launch an early registration promotion for those runners who want to secure their places in the race of their choice. The running community will have over three months to take advantage of the Early Registration Promotion before prices revert on October 1, and we look forward to welcoming early registrations from regular runners as well as from those keen to test themselves for the first time on the fast and flat roads of Al Marjan Island.”

Peter Connerton, Managing Director of Pace Events and Race Director of the Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon

In the previous edition held in February 2024, Kenya’s Daniel Mateiko and Ethiopia’s Tsigie Gebreselama claimed the men’s and women’s titles, respectively. Mateiko finished with a time of 58:45, narrowly beating his compatriot John Korir. Gebreselama set a personal best of 65:14, defeating the 2020 champion Ababel Yeshaneh. Tanzania’s Jacklin Sakilu finished third, also achieving a personal best.

The Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon is known for its fast and flat course, making it a favorite among runners aiming to set personal records. The event also holds a high ranking in World Athletics’ Competition Performance Rankings for half marathons.

For more information and to register for the event, visit the official registration page at rakhalfmarathon.com.

About Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA):

Established in May 2011, RAKTDA aims to develop Ras Al Khaimah’s tourism infrastructure and position the Emirate as a top destination for leisure and business travel. The Authority is responsible for licensing, regulating, and monitoring the tourism and hospitality industry in the region, fostering sustainable investment opportunities, and enhancing the quality of life for its residents.

Bespoke Hotels, the UK's largest independent hotel group, has announced a comprehensive rebranding effort to enhance guest experiences and solidify its leadership in the hospitality industry. This rebranding includes a new website, updated brochures, and a refreshed identity aimed at exceeding guest expectations and delivering exceptional service.

The group, which manages over 70 independent hotels across the British Isles, is focusing on strategic expansion while maintaining its core values of outstanding service and personalized guest care. The rebranding effort is designed to cater to a broader range of travelers and destinations.

Key components of the rebranding include significant investment in a new website to boost direct bookings and the distribution of a leisure breaks brochure across all hotels to promote cross-selling within the portfolio. Each hotel will also feature a plaque identifying it as part of the Bespoke Hotel family, further reinforcing the brand’s presence.

Thomas Greenall, CEO of Bespoke Hotels, emphasized that this initiative is more than just a visual update. “This isn’t just a visual refresh; it’s a comprehensive strategy designed to create lasting value for our stakeholders. As we look to the future, we are committed to staying ahead of the curve and innovating to provide value to our owners and meet the ever-changing needs of our guests. We thank everyone for their continued support as we embark on this exciting new chapter,” said Greenall.

The year 2024 has been significant for Bespoke Hotels, marked by various development projects that enhance its existing portfolio. This includes the launch of two new Gotham locations and several other hotel openings and refurbishments throughout the collection.

The rebranding aligns with Bespoke Hotels’ goal to offer unique and memorable experiences, ensuring guests feel valued and catered to. With the refreshed identity and strategic investments, Bespoke Hotels aims to remain a leader in the hospitality industry, providing exceptional service and unforgettable experiences for travelers.

Accor, a leading global hospitality group and a Premium Partner of Paris 2024, has unveiled its new advertising campaign for the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games. This campaign, which aims to highlight Accor's commitment to exceptional hospitality, includes a main film directed by Vincent Lobelle (Iconoclast), two short formats, and visuals shot by Aurélien Chauvaud.

Under the tagline “Crafting treasured memories,” the campaign reflects the ethos of Accor’s brands and its 1,700 hotels in France. The campaign emphasizes the dedication of Accor’s 40,000 Heartists®—staff members who are committed to creating memorable experiences for guests. Stories featured in the campaign include a concierge named Jean who embarks on an adventure to bring an ice cream to cheer up a young guest, a waitress who prevents a mishap with her quick thinking, and a receptionist who goes above and beyond to return a lost camera to its owner.

The campaign is set to air on TV and digital platforms from June 23 to September 15, and will also appear on billboards in train stations and airports, targeting both French and international travelers. Additionally, Accor has planned a comprehensive media strategy with France Télévisions to support the 2024 Paris Paralympic Games, reflecting its commitment to inclusion and support for disabled athletes.

Stéphanie Dartevelle, VP Sponsorship Europe & North Africa at Accor, said, “The campaign aims to celebrate the spirit of the 2024 Paris Olympics and Paralympics and to showcase the values of excellence, surpassing oneself and respect that Accor holds dear. It highlights Accor’s vision of hospitality and its ability to offer outstanding experiences to its guests during all the major events that inspire and bring people together throughout the world.”

Fabrice Plazolles, Creative Director at Havas Play, said “We wanted to create a blockbuster film for this campaign while simultaneously retaining a certain playfulness to entertain French audiences and make them smile. By featuring Heartists® as top athletes who will go to any lengths to satisfy their guests, we are highlighting Accor’s dedication and its expectations when it comes to hospitality. Vincent Lobelle’s talent took care of the rest, enabling us to create ­a vibrant and joyful film that reflects Accor’s values.”

As part of its role as a Premium Partner, Accor is also focusing on accessibility and inclusivity for the Paris 2024 Games. The group is working towards obtaining the “Tourism and Disability” certification for its French hotels, with over 330 hotels involved in the certification process. Furthermore, Accor will manage key services in the Athletes and Media Villages, including laundry, cleaning, and information services. These efforts are aligned with Accor’s broader commitment to sustainable development and responsible tourism.

Accor’s preparation for the 2024 Paris Games includes recruiting over 700 individuals to ensure efficient operations in the Athletes and Media Villages. The group has also introduced a specialized training program, “Sportist Training,” to equip its teams with the necessary skills for the event.

To enhance the guest experience during the Games, Accor will introduce “Mood Service” in select hotels, offering activities and themed events inspired by the spirit of Paris 2024. These initiatives aim to create a vibrant and engaging atmosphere for guests, further cementing Accor’s reputation for exceptional hospitality.