Koech, Jepchirchir lead stellar lineup at Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon

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ATHLETICS Koech, Jepchirchir lead stellar lineup at Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon

Festus Chuma 08:30 - 16.01.2024

Kenyan champions Benard Kibet Koech and Peres Jepchirchir return to Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon, promising thrilling competition.

The 17th Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon is gearing up for an explosive return featuring the defending men's champion Benard Kibet Koech and the reigning world half marathon and Olympic marathon champion Peres Jepchirchir.

These two Kenyan titans are just the tip of the iceberg, with a star-studded lineup expected at this prestigious event, hosted by the Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) on February 24.

Peres Jepchirchir's status as one of the world's greatest long-distance runners is undisputed.

Her remarkable achievements include an Olympic marathon triumph in Tokyo, three individual world half marathon titles, and the astonishing feat of holding the Olympic, New York, and Boston marathon titles simultaneously—a remarkable achievement accomplished between August 2021 and April 2022.

Jepchirchir's connection with the Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon runs deep as she once set a world record of 65 minutes and 6 seconds when she won the event back in 2017—a record that still stands as her personal best.

Her return to the race promises to be a thrilling spectacle, as fans eagerly anticipate her performance on the challenging Ras Al Khaimah course.

Benard Kibet Koech, on the other hand, is a Kenyan star who has not only excelled on the road but also on the track.

A versatile athlete, Koech represents one of Japan's corporate teams, a testament to his exceptional talent.

What sets him apart is his ability to transition seamlessly between track and road running. With a 5,000-meter personal best of 13 minutes and several 10,000-meter finishes just over 27 minutes, Koech is a true force to be reckoned with.

In 2023, Koech secured victory at the Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon, clocking an impressive time of 58 minutes and 45 seconds—one of the ten fastest times of the year.

His return to this prestigious event promises to be a fiercely competitive affair, as he defends his title against a field of world-class athletes.

Since its inception in 2007, the Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon has consistently earned its reputation as one of the fastest half marathons on the international circuit.

The race takes place against the breathtaking backdrop of Al Marjan Island, offering both competitors and spectators a visually stunning experience.

Race Director and Pace Events CEO, Peter Connerton, expressed his enthusiasm for organizing this remarkable event. "We were honored and enormously gratified to be invited by the Ras Al Khaimah tourist authorities to organize an event like the RAK half-marathon. We feel it's a reflection of the success we've had with the Dubai Marathon since 2000," he stated.

Connerton highlighted the addition of a 10k race to the RAK program, inspired by the success of the shorter event in Dubai, serving as a challenge on its own or as a stepping stone for runners venturing into half or full marathons.

As the anticipation for the 17th Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon builds, Jepchirchir is just the first of many leading names to be announced in the coming weeks.

This event is not only a showcase of elite talent but also an opportunity for thousands of runners to come together in associated 10km, 5km, and 2km runs, adding a community dimension to the exhilarating race day.

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