FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Big Marathon Names Flock to Rak Half Marathon 2012
(Where Fast Times are the Norm)
The sixth RAK Half Marathon on February 17th, now a well-established IAAF
Gold Label Road Race, promises even more than the usual fare in this tiny
corner of the United Arab Emirates, which is saying a great deal for a race
that can boast a number of world records and dozens of personal bests from
the elite in the previous five editions, including Mary Keitany's
astonishing 65:50 world record just twelve months ago.
In both Men's and Women's line-ups, the names confirmed make clear that the
RAK event is now widely identified as a perfect form-indicator and
preparatory race for those elite men and women planning an April marathon
which, this coming spring marathon season, might secure them an Olympic
team berth.
The tiny but lion-hearted Keitany returns to the scene of this clockwise
loop race that last year projected her towards a 2:19:19 victory in London
eight weeks later and her inevitable status as one of the favourites for
Olympic Marathon gold later this year. In spite of her ill-judged pacing
and subsequent third place in New York last November - she reached half way
at close to world record tempo, only to slow dramatically to a 2:23:38
clocking - it is hard to imagine a Kenyan Olympic squad without the 30 year
old, but she will know that many more eyes watch her every result now than
prior to record-shattering run at RAK 2011.
In addition, Keitany has returned gently to training after her wedding last
December 31st and admits to not being in World Record shape, but in “only”
around 67 minute form. She will need to be, because lined up against her is
a high calibre field with no less than seven other athletes who have broken
70:00 for the half marathon, the fastest being Caroline Cheptanui Kilel
(68:16), significantly the Boston Marathon champion last year in 2:22:36.
For their part, with nine boasting sub 60 minute bests, the men can
justifiably claim a harder victory will be fought out after the early
morning starter's gun, particularly when one remembers that every one of
the five editions so far has been won in well under the hour. Last year's
champion Deriba Merga does not run but in his place are several marathoning
luminaries of 2011 from Kenya, such as Geoffrey Mutai, the fastest marathon
runner ever after his wins last year in Boston (2:03:02) and New York
(2:05:06), Wilson Kipsang Kiprotich who won in Otsu (2:06:13) and then
Frankfurt (2:03:42), and Wilson Chebet, the Rotterdam (2:05:27) and
Amsterdam (2:05:53) champion.
To underline the strength of the men's line-up, other runners that just
miss top billing such as Ethiopia's Tsegay Kebede, the 2008 Olympic bronze
medallist and one of the most consistent marathon runners of the last four
years, and Lelisa Desisa who won the Delhi Half Marathon in 59:30 in late
November, would top the start list at most races. Likewise, after placing
second here last year (59:44), Bernard Kipyego now knows the RAK course and
with five sub 60 minute clockings in the last three years as well as the
strength of a 2:06:29 third place in Chicago last October, will be a strong
contender for a podium spot.
With pacemakers lined up for both Men and Women, two lightning quick races
are in prospect once again in RAK. General entries have risen to almost
3,000 - a not insignificant number in the Emirates - and if conditions are
good, who knows where this year's times might get down to.
The RAK Half Marathon will be held on 17 February 2012 and is an IAAF Gold
Label Race (Silver Label 2009, 2010, 2011) and a full member of the
Association of Marathons and Distance Running (AIMS).
The RAK Half Marathon 2012 is presented by Saqr Port and supported by
adidas, UPS, Al Ain Water, Capri Sun, RAK Hospital, Outdoor UAE, La Luna
and RAK Police.
MEN
Wilson Kipsang Kiprotich KEN 58:59
Bernard Kipyego KEN 59:10
Wilson Chebet KEN 59:15
Lelisa Desisa ETH 59:30
Geoffrey Mutai KEN 59:30
Tsegay Kebede ETH 59:35
Azmeraw Bekele ETH 59:39
Kiplimo Kimutai KEN 59:44
Fabiano Joseph TAN 59:56
Levy Matebo Omari KEN 60:06
Joseph Nganga Maregu KEN 60:24
Feyisa Lelisa ETH 60:33
Dennis Kipruto Koech KEN 61:30A
WOMEN
Mary Keitany KEN 65:50
Caroline Cheptanui Kilel KEN 68:16
Hilda Kibet KEN 68:39
Feysa Tadesse ETH 68:44
Aniko Kalovics HUN 68:58
Georgina Rono KEN 69:08
Gladys Cherono KEN 69:26
Rose Chelimo KEN 69:45
Serena Burla USA 70:08
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