RAS AL KHAIMAH// The world record for the women’s half marathon was broken on Friday at the RAK Half Marathon.
Kenyan Peres Jepchirchir bettered the record set less than two years ago in Barcelona by three seconds. She finished the run in 65 minutes and six seconds.
Kenyan Bedan Karoki won the men’s category, crossing the finish line in 59 minutes and 10 seconds, cutting four seconds from his personal best.
More than 3,000 people took part in the 11th edition of the the race at Corniche Al Qawasim, with thousands more on the sidelines cheering for family members, friends and co-workers on the 21-kilometre course.
First-time runner Australian Eugenie Fourrier finished the race in one hour and 55 minutes.
“I took on this challenge because my mother wished that I would run a marathon as she did. This is my first time,” said the 24-year-old Emirates cabin crew member.
Her mother, Babette, a Dubai resident, said she had taken part in five marathons.
“I ran the Sydney marathon twice, took part in the London and Paris marathons, and I ran once in Hawaii,” said the 60-year-old. “I want to pass down to my children the love and thrill of running in a marathon.”
Of the 3,352 participants in yesterday’s event, Finn Oiva Karppinen, 71, was the oldest male. He crossed the finish line in 2:31:14. Briton Pam Stewart, 70, the oldest female runner, completed the course in 2:44:37.
The Scottish Sangster family drove from Abu Dhabi on Thursday to support their father, Colin, who was participating in the RAK marathon for the third time.
“We decided to spend the weekend here in RAK. My two daughters Tamsin, 12, and 10-year-old Samsar, and my wife are supporting me while I take the challenge to break my own record.”
Nicola, his wife, said she would reward her husband with a steak dinner should he break his record.
“If he doesn’t break it, I will be eating that steak,” said the 46-year-old.
The youngest participants this year were two 11-year-olds, Fujairah resident Agnivesh Menon and Briton Cery Dingle from Dubai, who took part in the team relay run.
Varghese John, an employee at Saqr Port, said the RAK marathon meant collaboration between work colleagues as they pounded the course.
“I’m competing for the fourth time in the team relay run. The outdoor activity brings staff closer to each other and breaks the office routine. After the event we enjoy the beautiful weather with our friends and family,” said the 31-year-old Indian.
Julie Paner, was sipping a hot cup of coffee as she waited for her flatmate and best friend to cross the finish line.
“I promised her I’d come and cheer for her. It took me almost three hours to get here from Al Ain,” said the Filipino marketing assistant.
“We will spend the day here and drive back in the evening after having lunch to celebrate her first marathon,” said the 31-year-old.
tzriqat@thentional.ae
