With just about four months to go, the organisers of Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon have released the race route and also announced an enhanced prize money kitty which now stands at AED 1.2 million.

With the preparations for the 16th edition of Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon getting underway, race organiser Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority has released the race route and declared a total prize money kitty of AED 1.2 million.

The organisers also announced partnership with global sports brand Under Armour, and jointly released the race route as well as the official t-shirt design.

The announcements were made at a public event held at the Under Armour flagship store in Dubai Mall. Set to take place on February 18, 2023, the groundbreaking race will award a total prize fund of AED 1,219,000, distributed to winners and runner-ups in the elite categories as well top performers across its other categories.

According to a press statement, the Gold Label race will return to its record-breaking fast and flat course, perfectly situated in the heart of the nature-based Emirate, kicking off on Marjan Island Boulevard, right opposite the DoubleTree by Hilton and the vibrant Race Village. Runners will take to the streets of the spectacular Marjan Island, passing all major hotel destinations as they head along Sheikh Mohammed bin Salem Road, and circle through Al Amwaj Avenue, before heading back to the starting point to cross the finish line.

Along the route, the race will see participants take in unrivaled views of Ras Al Khaimah’s serene, white sandy beaches, overlooking the Arabian coastlines and other landmarks, adds the press statement.

“Sports and events are key to our development strategy, and hosting the 16th edition of the Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon plays a significant role in attracting thousands of participants and spectators from across the globe to our stunning Emirate. The 2023 edition is set to be even bigger and better, as runners challenge themselves over our stunning, ocean front course for what is set to be a riveting and action-packed event for both athletes and the local community with a range of activities and celebrations for all,” says Iyad Rasbey, Executive Director, Destination Tourism Development & MICE at Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority.

The statement adds that as the new technical sponsor, the world-class half marathon will see Under Armour supply the 2023 Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon Official T-Shirts, designed with the latest, innovative technology to provide runners with high comfortability and improved performance as they take to the fast and flat course track. The statement says that in line with the brand’s reputation for creating game-changing sports apparel, the t-shirts will include great stylish features, making them the perfect choice for running in warmer climates.

‘‘We are thrilled to be revealing the official race t-shirt for the first time today. The t-shirt’s designed mesh panels will provide ventilation for our runners, and they are complimented with moisture-wicking micro thread fabric, to ensure no sweat absorption -meaning runners will experience no chaffing or no stretch, resulting in a more comfortable run.  If that isn’t enough, our innovative anti-odor technology will block odor-causing bacteria on the skin, allowing runners to breeze to the finish line looking and smelling like a winner!” says Gaurav Sharma Head of Retail, Under Armour.

The press release says that added to this year’s race is the newly introduced Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon 2023 Running Hub, featuring articles covering a wide range of topics, including running in the heat, prepping for race day, motivation tips, discipline, and much more, from the #RAKHalf2023 Under Armour Squad. Available on the website, participants and running enthusiasts of all levels can now keep up their training with a steady stream of new articles published monthly.