In a questionable display of wisdom, I decided I’ll run the February 9 RAK Half Marathon 2018 a day before the event. I had just landed in Dubai two days prior, from vacation and roughly two months of fitness hiatus. With a six-kilogramme weight gain, cough and cold, and zero training, one could put this among the litany of ‘How not to do a half marathon’.
Again, not the brightest decision I made. I looked past reason, laid it all on the line and ran. Arguably, part of fitness is overcoming adversity, ready or not. Although, I must say, this isn’t to encourage anyone out there to go into battle ill-equipped. Quite the opposite, safety first, my friends — take my case and put a lid on it.
Running 21km sans preparation was painful, as you might expect, but for all my imprudence I’m glad I did it because I got to participate in one of the most organised and efficient races in the country.
Excellent location, weather and timing
Running the distance starting at the Al Qawasim Corniche in Ras Al Khaimah on a chilly 16°C morning was a treat on its own. The half marathon commencing at 7am went from Al Nahda Street to Khuzam Road past RAK Mall to Al Muntasir Road through roundabouts, U-turns, rights and lefts before heading back to Al Qawasim Corniche at the 14.5km mark. A road is a road and you can run anywhere but there’s value in giving runners different looks. I didn’t feel like I was on an endless stretch and this was because of a carefully mapped-out route which changed direction when it needed to. The race was over before the sun was directly overhead which did away with any unnecessary discomfort and provided respite to weary participants.
Convenient, accurate facilities
I do not wear any device with me while running but unlike other races I’ve run before, the distance here ‘felt’ accurate. It should be — the course was measured by a Grade A Measurer of AIMS (Association of International Marathons & Distance Running). Along the way, I very much appreciated the distance markers every kilometre printed on huge inflatable arches. These checkpoints tower visibly from afar and just as well serve as little mental goals for everyone taking on the 21km one stride at a time. There were strategically placed water stations every 2.5km and sports drinks after every 5km. Toilets were available at certain distances but the presence of medical staff every 5km or so is what I remember the most, for obvious reasons. Although I never once considered running towards their direction, a lingering thought did play in my head that should anything untoward happen, I’ll be just fine. In a way they added doses of confidence in me to keep going no matter the struggle. Lastly on facilities, parking was literally beside the event area!
Valuable extras
A commemorative medal along with a goody bag were given to runners after crossing the finish line. Personal race results complete with 5-10-15-20km splits were sent via SMS in real time and certificates with the participants name and finish time were readily available online (for download or printing) immediately after. Prompt and effective execution of the things that matter after the run.
In race that welcomed more than a hundred different nationalities and saw world and course records broken, the 12th edition of the RAK Half Marathon was a resounding success. And this particular runner, no matter the ill-timed entry, is happy to encourage everyone to take part, and more importantly, train for next year’s race.
Other upcoming running events
February 23
What: Daman’s Activelife Beach Run Dubai
Where: Sunset Beach, Umm Suqeim Beach, Dubai
What: Super Sports 10 miler (16k), 10k, 5k, 3k Run: Race 4/5
Where: The Track Golf Clubhouse, Meydan
What: Abu Dhabi Sports Council City Run 3
Where: Closed road 5km looped course near East Plaza and Al Khaleej Al Arabi Road
February 24
What: The Buggy Run 2018
Where: Dubai Autodrome
