The 2016 RAK Marathon looks set to live up to its reputation for rapid times with the entry list boasting some of the fastest distance runners on the planet.
The race returns on February 12 with six of the elite men on the starting list having run under 59 minutes, and eight of the women having broken 68 minutes.
Heading the men’s field is Eritrian Zersensay Tadesse, reigning world record holder, and the greatest half marathon runner in history.
His eye-watering benchmark of 58.23 may have come six years ago, but the 59.24 he ran in New Delhi in November is a return to form which could see him on the podium again.
Perhaps one of the biggest challenges will come from 23-year-old Abraham Cheroben, who ran 58.48 in 2014 and was the fastest athlete in the world last year with 59.10.
The fact that he also lowered his 10km PB to 27.35 last autumn may mean there is plenty of speed in his legs come the business end of the race if it comes down to a sprint like last year.
The standard in the women’s race has been exceptional at RAK, with every winning time since 2009 ranked among each year’s top three fastest times in the world.
This 10th edition promises more of the same. Three women have broken 67 minutes, including the fastest in the field Priscah Jeptoo.
But reigning World Half Marathon Champion Gladys Cherono will arrive with high hopes, as will the rangey Joyce Chepkirui and the returning Cynthia Limo.
