Top marathon names to shine in RAK Half Marathon coming Friday

The 6th edition of RAK Half Marathon, an IAAF Gold Label Road Race and considered as one of the fastest half marathons in history, will see a strong field of elite marathoners when it takes off on coming Friday 17 February at Ras Al Khaimah of the United Arab Emirates.

Defending women's champion Mary Keitany of Kenya who set the World Half Marathon record of 1:05:50 here will be among the starters.

Other top contenders:

Men (WR 58:23 Zersenay Tadese (ERI) 2010)

Geoffrey Mutai (KEN) PB 59:30 (ran fastest marathon ever 2:03:02 - 2011)
Wilson Kipsang (KEN) PB 58:59 (4th fastest marathoner all time 2:03:42 - 2011)
Wilson Chebet (KEN) PB 59:15
Bernard Kipyego (KEN) PB 59:10
Lelisa Desisa (ETH) PB 59:30
Tsegay Kebede (ETH) PB 59:35

Women
Mary Keitany (KEN) - 1:05:50 (WR) (5th fastest marathoner all time 2:19:19 - 2011)
Caroline Cheptanui Kilel (KEN) PB 1:08:16
Hilda Kibet (KEN) PB 1:08:39
Feysa Tadesse (ETH) PB 1:08:44


Past winners:

Men

2011 - 59:25 - Deriba Merga (ETH)

2010 - 59:43 - Geoffrey Mutai (KEN)

2009 - 58:52 - Patrick Makau (KEN)

2008 - 59:35 - Patrick Makau (KEN)

2007 - 58:53 - (WR) late Sammy Wanjiru (KEN)

Women:

2011 - 1:05:50 - (WR) Mary Keitany (KEN)

2010 - 1:07:07 -Elvan Abeylegesse (TUR)

2009 - 1:07:18 - Dire Tune (ETH)

2008 - 1:12:29 - Salina Kosgei (KEN)

2007 - 1:10:58 - Birhan Adere (ETH)