RAS AL KHAIMAH // For many runners, just crossing the finish line of the RAK Half Marathon is reason enough to be happy, but Simone Camposeranio and Giorgia Becker also had an engagement to celebrate.
Simone proposed to his girlfriend yesterday when they completed the 21-kilometre route in the northernmost emirate. Fortunately for him, Giorgia was not breathless to say yes.
“We have been in a relationship for a year and a half,” said the Italian. “I ran alone previously in Dubai. This is the first time we ran together in a half marathon.”
More than 3,250 people braved the early morning chill to take part in the event. The oldest was 74 and the youngest 15.
Mosinet Geremew, a 23-year-old Ethiopian, won this year’s race for men with a time of an hour and five seconds.
“I am so happy to win this marathon. This is my first time visiting the UAE; the marathon and the scenery were amazing,” he said.
In the women’s category, Mary Keitany was first to cross the finish line at an hour and six minutes.
“This is not my best time, my best time here was one hour and five minutes back in 2011,” said the Kenyan, 32, adding that although the track was good, the weather was a little warm.
“Today’s run is a preparation for my next marathon in London in April.”
At 6.30am, police began to cordon roads off to traffic for the runners.
Water stations were set up every 2.5 kilometres, as well as medical stations.
Priscila Abreu, 34, who trained four times a week in Dubai, was taking part in her first RAK half marathon. “It was really cool. I will definitely do it again,” said the Portuguese who completed the race in two hours and nine minutes.
Four-year-old Calum was sitting in the stands with his Scottish grandfather Jim to support his mother, Moreen Bulloch.
“My mom is running, I am here to cheer for her,” he said.
Ms Bulloch, a 36-year-old teacher at RAK Academy, said: “It was a great run. I finished in two hours and 18 minutes, not too bad for a first timer!”
Drones operated via remote control hovered above the race course, beaming live pictures of the runners to spectators’ smartphones.
tzriqat@thenatioal.ae
