On Al Marjan Island in Ras Al Khaimah, the world’s half-marathon elite made history once again. Geoffrey Kamworor secured victory 13 years after his first triumph at this event, while Asmarech Anley showcased world-class potential with a stunning win in her debut.
Kamworor Dominates Once Again in Ras Al Khaimah
This year’s edition drew a record crowd of over 10,700 participants competing under the patronage of Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi. The flat and fast course in Ras Al Khaimah lived up to its global reputation, attracting the world’s top athletes. In a display of incredible depth, five men broke the 59-minute barrier, a rare feat at this distance.
The protagonist of the race was Geoffrey Kamworor, who pushed a relentless pace from the gun. The lead pack crossed the 10km mark in 27:42, signaling a blistering finish. Supported by his pacemaker, the Kenyan legend maintained a steady rhythm and controlled the lead group for most of the race. The decisive move came around the 16th kilometer, where Kamworor unleashed a phenomenal surge, clocking a 2:42 split for a single kilometer.
Ultimately, Kamworor claimed victory in 58:14, finishing nine seconds ahead of Bahrain’s Birhanu Balew. Third place went to Gideon Rono of Kenya, who crossed the line in 58:38. After the race, the winner admitted he felt in total control from the 14km mark—a promising sign for his upcoming marathon goals.
Anley Wins a Tactical Battle
The women’s race followed a different script, defined by heavy tactical maneuvering. Due to the absence of an official pacemaker, a large lead group of 15 runners stayed together for most of the distance. They hit the 10km mark in 32:45, with Tanzania’s Magdalena Shauri handling much of the pacing duties; she eventually finished third.
The dynamics shifted in the final stages. After the 20km mark, only two Ethiopians remained at the front: Melknat Wudu and debutant Asmarech Anley. The battle for the win lasted until the final meters, but the younger Ethiopian had more speed left for the sprint finish. Anley, a former African Junior Champion in the 3,000m, proved that her track speed is a massive asset on the roads.
The winner broke the tape in 1:07:22, edging out Wudu by just five seconds. Despite her spectacular debut, Anley stated she intends to focus on mastering the half marathon before moving up to the full distance. Her performance stands as one of the most promising results of the early 2026 season.
33 and Back from the Brink
Kamworor’s success in Ras Al Khaimah is particularly significant given his journey. The 33-year-old athlete returned to the winner’s circle in the emirate exactly 13 years after his first victory here in 2013. As the oldest runner in the elite field, his win highlights incredible longevity and a fierce determination to return to peak form.
The Kenyan’s road back to the top was marked by a near-career-ending injury. In 2020, Kamworor was hit by a motorcycle during a morning training run, resulting in a fractured tibia and months of recovery. After years of battling injuries and rehabilitation, the three-time World Champion has proven he belongs among the absolute global elite once again.
His next target is the London Marathon in April, where he aims to lower his personal best. Kamworor also shared his ultimate dream: representing Kenya at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. History shows that athletes can succeed at the highest level at his age, giving the Kenyan veteran plenty of reason for optimism.
RAK as a Proving Ground for the Marathon Season
Kamworor’s veteran masterclass and Anley’s brilliant debut serve as a clear warning to the field ahead of the European spring season. The Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon 2026 confirmed its status as the premier destination for building form and testing potential before the world’s major marathons. These results set the stage for a thrilling pursuit of records in the coming months.
