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.