Marathon in RAK

The UAE is all geared up in bringing up itself on the world sports map while setting new standards in athletics in the region. The emirate will host world’s richest half marathon on 9th February 2007. The race is scheduled to be inaugurated by Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qassimi, the Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah and will attract some of the best runners in the world. The race is open to all and will be licensed as an international marathon by Association of International Marathons and Road Races which has had the previous reputation of organizing major events across the world including the European Cross Country Championship and marathons in Mumbai, Beirut, Jeddah and Lahore. The runners will take a 21.097 km course around the lovely mountain city of Ras Al Khaimah and the winner will be richer by $150,000.
The race will also feature a Corporate Relay Team Challenge that comprises of 4 members, each of which will run for 5km.
A portion from the proceeds of registration will be diverted towards the community programmes for the benefit of the people of Lebanon.
The announcement was made by Sheikh Ahmed bin Saqr Al Qasimi, President of the Executive Committee of the RAK International Half Marathon at a press conference attended by Nathan Clayton Race director, RAK International Half Marathon, Malcolm Murphy, Chairman, Dubai Creek Striders Club, Ian Ladbrooke, Assistant Race director/ Elite Athlete Manager, RAK International Half Marathon.
Ian Ladbrooke remarked that it is fantastic to see such events in the Middle East and the marathon at the RAS will set new standards of races in the area. He further added that it is a great feeling to see so many people gearing up to training and exercising. A healthy population is well motivated and productive to the nation and to the world as a whole.