Kenya’s Brigid Kosgei breaks the tape as she wins the 2019 Chicago Maraton in a world record of 2:14:04
RAS AL KHAIMAH, United Arab Emirates, Jan 22 – World marathon record-holder Brigid Kosgei is the standout name in the women’s field for the Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon, scheduled for February 21.
Kosgei, who broke the world marathon record with her stunning 2:14:04 run in Chicago last year, will return to the UAE after finishing seventh at the 2018 edition of the race.
Her official half marathon PB is 1:05:28, but she also won last year’s Great North Run – a slightly downhill point-to-point course – in 1:04:28, the fastest time in history for 13.1 miles.
“I am really excited to come back to the Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon after two years. I know that this year the line-up is one of the best ever for a half marathon and I really hope to run fast,” said Kosgei.
The 25-year-old Kenyan is one of several women in the field with a PB inside 66 minutes.
Fancy Chemutai on her way to winning the RAK Half Marathon
She will line up against Fancy Chemutai, whose best of 1:04:52 is just one second shy of the world half marathon record and 2016 world half marathon champion Peres Jepchirchir, who briefly held the world record following her 1:05:06 victory in Ras Al Khaimah in 2017
Ethiopia’s Netsanet Gudeta, who set a women-only world record to win the 2018 world half marathon title, and Joan Melly Chelimo, the fourth-fastest woman in history will also be in contention.
Rosemary Wanjiru, who recently went to third on the world all-time 10km list with 29:50, will be making her half marathon debut.
In the men’s race, world marathon silver medallist Mosinet Geremew will take on Two-time Prague Half Marathon winner Benard Kimeli and European record-holder Julien Wanders.
Ethiopian trio Andamlak Belihu, Solomon Berihu and Amdemwork Walelegn are also in the field along with Kenyan duo Alexander Mutiso and Kibiwott Kandie.
