The world’s fastest half-marathon returns with fireworks on Valentine’s Day as Kenya’s distance legend Geoffrey Kamworor and Ethiopia’s former world record holder Ababel Yeshaneh lead a star‑studded field at the 19th Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon.
On Saturday, February 14, the scenic, speed‑friendly loop of Al Marjan Island will once again become the proving ground for record chasers and history makers.
A homecoming for champions
For Kamworor, RAK is more than a race; it’s where a superstar was born. The Kenyan great first announced himself on this very course in 2013 with a breakthrough victory that launched a glittering career.
Now a three‑time World Half Marathon champion and two‑time New York City Marathon winner, Kamworor returns as the fastest man on the 2026 start list, carrying a blistering personal best of 58:01 and the aura of a true distance icon.
Across the start line, Ababel Yeshaneh brings RAK pedigree and a hunger to reclaim glory. The Ethiopian stunned the athletics world in 2020 when she tore through the course to set a then‑world record of 1:04:31, slicing 20 seconds off the previous mark. After a runner‑up finish in 2024, Yeshaneh arrives determined to rewrite the record books and stand atop the podium once more.
A course built for speed
RAK’s flat, sea‑level route has earned its reputation as the fastest half-marathon on the planet, a magnet for athletes chasing personal bests and global marks. The Al Marjan Island circuit is engineered for pace: wide roads, calm coastal air, and a layout that invites relentless tempo and fearless racing.
A classic Kenya versus Ethiopia duel
This edition promises a classic East African duel — a tactical, high‑octane battle between two nations that have dominated distance running for decades. With elite fields assembled and world‑class conditions in place, the stage is set for blistering times and dramatic finishes.
Valentine’s Day with a fast beat
As the athletics world turns its eyes to the UAE, fans can expect more than just fast times. They will witness a narrative of comebacks and legacies: Kamworor’s return to a course that shaped him, Yeshaneh’s bid to reclaim her crown, and a host of challengers ready to write their own chapters. On February 14, Al Marjan Island will pulse with speed, strategy, and the kind of racing that turns ordinary afternoons into unforgettable sporting theatre.
