RAK Half Marathon 2018
“very good event, tbh better than dubai marathon - Very good event, tbh better than standard chartered. we love the pictures & videos”
“Perfect half marathon - Nice run with a great organization. All is perfect”
“great event - Great event”
“The most organized Run in the UAE! - I loved how RAK half marathon has everything covered and organized! Everything was clear and to the point - there were even crowds cheering the runners - great support and help. The winners were VIPs and the treatment provided was incredible. I just wish we were given the chance to meet His Highness during the awarding. Also, we still do not have the photos taken during the award ceremony. Please share them with us :) Thank you RAK, the organizers and volunteers for an unforgettable event.”
“Happiest half marathon! - Amazing atmosphere and spirit during the race from the volunteers, aid stations, the local police and the "happiness" police! Even the police on duty at the roadblocks were cheering and encouraging runners. The happy policeman with the smiley face on his shirt and car was incredibly supportive and raised all of our spirits. We finished around 2:18-230 (3 of us) and we all stayed to cheer on the last runners, this policeman walked with tired runners and brought smiles to their faces. Amazing!!”
“Nice race - It will better if EO provide Pacer for mass runner”
“RAK 2018 - Well organised event as I have come to expect. Do find it soul destroying to have to do out and back past the finish line. Realising you have to pass the finish line part of course and still have 5km plus to do. Then have to cross the runners behind you after the finish still going. Although this was better than last year as the "moving" filter helped everyone. ”
“Event itself was great but race hotel service bad. - I enjoyed the race and everything went smoothly except for arrangements with hotel booking at Double Tree Hilton. We booked 3 rooms specifying adjacent rooms for our two daughters. It was a very long waiting time before they then managed to sort rooms for us to say the least. I am a very light sleeper and it buffled me how they can have music till 10 pm at night blurring loadly. I had a very bad night's sleep and so did a few people who I know that stayed at the hotel. Very dissapointing!”
“organized, no-frills event 4 more serious runners - Bus service could be improved, though and has to leave as per designated times and as per drop off sites.”
“Good race with good people - Was missing the energy gel or drinks in a long run like this at least once half way trough the course”
“Great - Graet”
“Excellent - Would love to participate again, worth traveling from Abu Dhabi. ”
“was perfect iwill run next year - I love these event I did it , before 2years I was thinking but 2018 I did it am so happy for what I made it, all my friends and family proud of me ”
“One of the best half-marathons out there! - Superb running event! I look forward to participating again next year :)”
“Half marathons dont getter than this... - Half marathons dont getter than this...(except the dubai creek striders half marathon ;) ). However this year the post race area was a more crowded than last 2 years, plus the event fees could do with some discount for regular participants !!!”
“Organized Event - This was my first time to participate in RAK Half Marathon and i was so thankful and happy that organizers did very good in organizing the event. I will join again the 13th RAK Half Marathon. Awaiting for the registation to open. Well done!..See you again in finish line! :) Cheers, Helga”
“Awesome event. A must on any runners to do list - A fantastic and hugely enjoyable event for amateurs and serious runners alike. The support and facilities pre and post race are more than sufficient (to be able to have a shower immediately post race is a major plus in my book). If I am fortunate enough to be in the region to coincide with this event in the future I will most definitely partake. Especially given some unfinished business as this is one with PB written all over it. Well done on a fab event. ”
“Great Smile and Cheering from all Crew & Staffs - Goodies and Staff/Marshals of RAK Half Marathon better than Ironman... I definitely race again next year :-) Thanks to all marshal specially to all police who cheered with us! ”
“Exciting - Very well organized and publicized event! Proud to be a part of it!”
“RAK half marathon is always a good course. - I was pleasantly surprised with the refreshments after ther race. Haven’t seen many events where such quality refreshments are offered. Thank you. Only concern is if you guys can have some more first aid stations. My right knee was starting to hurt a bit and was almost considering dropping out. Lucky I stayed on and found a first aid station and got a spray. Also if you could make the t-shirts a more brighter color. Me and my wife ran this the second time and will be back next year. ”
“Great - My first Half Marathon was great experience for me !!”
“Super fun - Great fun and organisation, road signs for parking could be better.”
“Grateful to be part of the fastest half marathon. - From start to finish its just strides and smiles.”
“Improvements - Much improved medal, nice cap given! ”
“Pleased - Hello. I think the route could have been more scenic. The line for the Costa truck was always long and I had to leave for fear of missing the bus. The AUH bus service was AMAZING. The toilets and the bag storage were great. Crossing the street after the race was annoying bc we had to wait for the runners to pass but we were exhausted from having completed the race.”
“Great course, well organised. - The event was great as always. However, the bus transport was poor - like last year. The instructions stated that the buses will start circling to hotels and back to race from 0900 until 1200. I boarded bus No. 2 at 0850. At 0900 driver stated he has instructions not to drive until 10 people onboard. He showed me his instructions. At 0935, with only 3 other people on the bus, I left and got a taxi back to hotel.”
“One of the best half marathons in UAE - Great organisation from start to finish. Love the course. This event makes me feel very happy!”
“My first Half Marathon! - Always can be better, but it is good value for money, comparing to the Dubai Marathon for instance!”
“Never fails to please - Always enjoy this race, I like the route which enables us to see participants on the other side, regardless of whether in front or behind. The marshalls and water stations were all supportive and plentiful. I preferred the start area at the old location, it seemed more ‘open’, but have no complaints with the new. Thank you Nathan and crew, I hope to be back again :-)”
“Fantastic event .. - It would be nice to have the date, or at least the year stated on the medal.”
“Fantastic Event overall - Beat my Personal best - Medal is great - large size... but it doesn't state the year - 2018 !!!! - Very disappointing!”
“awesome experienced - It was unforgettable experienced, however, in the medal there is no year or date in it, which is not good. Medals should tell general info about the event itself.”
“Great event as always. - Getting there: I didn't see it as clearly marked as it usually was where you could not miss it as soon as you exited E311. I didn't see many signposts and if there were they were not visible or lit. I missed the main turn! Finish area: a bit of a complicated arrangement with finishers crossing those sill running beyond the 15km. Medal: nice but heavy. You've had much nicer designs before!”
“Well organized - Love the pre-race and post-race goodies! So inspired to run again and beat my personal record!”
“One of the best events in UAE - Great organization... Very well run race year after year”
“Best Event in UAE by Far. World Class event.THANKS - Best and favorite event of the year. Amazing to start so close to elites while all runners were respecting the distance and marshall smiling and thanking us. Superb organization, world class elite field and attention to detail and caring for mass and club runners. Hats off to Nathan and organizer team, big THANK YOU to sponsors and everybody making this event possible. Only ask is to change the design of the T-Shirt. We all have a collection of all colours by now :) See you next year!!”
“Very friendly event - I would particularly like to praise the volunteers (marshals and drink stations). Their enthusiasm was a huge boost. I think more thought is needed about the buses back to the Hotels. After the event, there did not seem to be any organisation/signage and the buses were not acting as a shuttle, with people waiting on them for over an hour, which was frustrating.”
“Great event, however need some improvement. - The finish line celebration together with giveaways need improvement. I enjoyed last year event better than this year.”
“What a perfect eveny #rakmarathon. - Thank you Organizers. You always impress the runners with creativity and flawless arrangements. Well done.”
“loved to participate again - Its fantastic event. We both have enjoyed thoroughly.”
“Excellent organization - Very professional, well organized event. Can be highly recommended. However, no need for the race buses to leave so early - you just have to stand and freeze in the dark. ”
“One of the best races in the region - RAK Half never disappoints! Great organization and event, highly recommended one. ”
“Well organised event - The event buses make it easy to attend, esp from the airport if you're having a stop over and helps keep costs down with it being so expensive in Dubai. Really appreciated the free photos and lots of goodies. I'd enter again if it coincides with a trip where you can do as part of a stop over.”
“Magnificent running event. - Praises - all the positive superlatives. Rants - nothing only praises. Suggestion - how about a full marathon, a half, a 10K a 5 and remove the relay. Or at least have the relay start later. ”
“Best half-marathon ever! - What can I say? I have ran dozens of half-marathons in Canada and a few in the US and Europe and all I can say is that, the RAK Marathon is one of the best. Considering that you get a lot of swag for a very reasonable price of Dhs 260 (USD71), I don't know what more you could ask for? To expect sandwiches and higher-quality t-shirts would be asking the organizers to jack-up the price! The Lululemon Seawheeze race costs twice as much but you pretty much just pay for their shorts! Keep it up RAK!”
“Well organised event - Great race, great organisation. The only thing I would request for the future is a list of closed roads within RAK for people who hadn't booked a sponsoring hotel or a bus. I was lucky to find Marshalls on the way to the village whom I followed to find the way. My GPS kept insisting on taking me onto a closed road for the race. Other than that. Greatly enjoyed the whole experience.”
“MY first halfmarathon and diffinitely will do more - From the registration process, delivery of race pack you never miss to remind each one and every athlete. Detailed information and instruction. SIMPLY AMAZING. Still the best place to run flat. The support system from the Marshall is also FANTASTIC. Just a bit of side comment, in all my races this is actually the first time i took the toilet, but im a bit upset, There was 4 cubicle for male and only 2 for female i am referring to the first toilet from starting point till about 4.7km. ”
“thank you for support - Thanx”
“Excellent Race - Brilliant. Favourite race of the year”
“A great internation running event! A place to be - Starting List should be assigned based on the personal time of each runner and not based on the registration date.”
“It was a great event with a perfect organisation! - Easy to book, easy to find all what you need in the race village and while the race every 2.5 km was a support station! For me was this an amazing run! Thank you RAK”
“Generally very well organised, but 2017 better! - Only one observation that really disappointed me. At the finish area, participants were held in queues to cross out of the area. This was not good as all participants were tired and most need to 'warm down'. I am a veteran runner and have never been held like this before at the conclusion to any race. This must be sorted for next year as there is potential for runners to fall over, especially those not in their prime!”
“Remarkable event! - The event reputation speaks for himself. The only area for improvement I've seen was during the starting time, no clear information / announcement made, no loud music to boost adrenalin etc. Need to improve on this area, otherwise the event will be perfect”
“Excellent Organization, Personnel and Scenary. - Thank you to all the Voluteers, Police Officers and Officials for making this a memorable event, once again!!”
“Great event - I loved almost every minute of this event. The ONLY problem I had was the lack of female toilets at the 5km mark. 2 male toilets AND 2 urinals and only 2 female toilets.. This stop added 5 minutes to my total time unnecessarily. Maybe some unisex toilets next year. Overall a great event that I thoroughly enjoyed! ”
“Very well organised event - Amazing supoort stations, cheering .”
“Best running event - Well organized event Top class race route ”
“Well orgainised event - Well organised event. good support, facilities and marshaling. Will definitely do again”
“Hospitality ... at its best - Thank you RAK ... I was motivated by presence of the people of Rak, the Ruler of RaK , the police .. all cheerfully encouraging every participant. We were touched by the love and affection of the people of RAK we were tested like winners... hats off to the organising team ....they really floored us.”
“Fantastic event and great organizing - This was my second time at RAK and I got my 2nd PB which is like a dream for every runner. Thank u for a wonderful and well organized event. Keep up the good work and I will see u next year.”
“A HM not to be missed! World Class Organization! - Keep outperforming yourself every year! Simply put, hands down best organization down to every single detail in all races. Just to name a few: free fast photo service, unique medal, nice flat course, shower facilities, lots of parking, numerous support stations, volunteers wearing hygienic gloves, UPS race pack delivery, SMS timing notification, nice village, online video streaming, email communications. A+ in all the above. Keep up the good job Nathan & Team! See you in 2019! PB all the time:) ”
“Great race - first class organisation - Really great organisation (as usual). Well setup with good comms and race pack that isn't stuffed with rubbish. On the day: great setup and fast course. Thanks to everyone who helped make this happen and to the volunteers out on course.”
“Overall I am happy with the experience. - I hated the tshirt. The sleeve lenght is too long and the quality isnt that great. ”
“Always a well organised, fast race - It seemed there were less people this year (not sure) but that was better- quick queues for the toilets and bag collection/drop off was easy.flat, fast course with some good music at spots. One of my favourite races. Like how there is not so much crap in the bags- keep it simple and don’t give away too much - it is usually just junk anyhow. See you next year!”
“well organized - Net timing should be shown and gross time should be only the secondary time. Time that will reflect on the photos are the net time, not the gross. premier timing, kindly take note of this. thanks ”
“I love it - A more photos focus and extend to whom live in UAE more award more than 10 person at less and to whom join this event more then 7 times. ”
“Nice 1/2 Marathon well organized - Overall the event is a success, race well organized, Marshall team amaizing, venue Before the start organization can be more supporting by providing energy food, water and power bev. A breakfast can be provided after the race :ref dubai Johnson Creek 1/2 marathon.”
“A treat - every time - The perfect race at the right time. It helps you find out how your training has paid off. Excellent organization, great weather, brilliant organization, fantastic atmosphere. It is my absolute favorite road race.”
“Awesome Event - Congratulations on another awesome event. Really enjoyed it.”
“Great event - thanks - Looking forward to next year...”
“Really - Over all it was a good experience as it is my first half marathon It is really amazing ”
“Great Race! - Great race, the last out and back past the finish line is just painful and I think this part of the course needs to be thought out again! Otherwise a great event, well done xx ”
“The best organised event in UAE - I really enjoyed the event, I think we arrived a little early as the set up seemed slightly more delayed upon arrival than most years, although this was just an observation and no problem at all. I hope I didn't miss out, upon completion I did not receive a cup (I overheard someone say there were cups in the bags at the end). Thank you for continuing to arrange such a great event and I am already planning my training plan for next year. Thank you.”
“its my pleasure to joined on this competition - I'm so thankful ....and for that my physical was so astonishing strength”
“Big thank you for efforts of the volunteers - I understand the course is laid out as it is for (many?) good reasons, but that one km between 19 & 20 is misery personified. Perhaps you could arrange for some music / live band to break up the monotony of that section in particular? Water stations were fab, race village was fab, organization was fab. Good luck for the next 12!”
“ nobody gave me medical help from the beginning - I felt sick in the 3km of the race and there was no ambulance Only a police ambulance with no medicines ... No one helped me until I could finish the race. And the person in charge of organizing the race in 5 km when I asked him for help and I told him that I was sick, He told me I do not care ... I just determine the speed of the contestants ... I completed the race until 12 kilometers with Pain in my abdomen and became Worst because I did not get treatment from the beginning ... ”
“Awesome event and loved every bit of it - The only improvement I would say is the route passing the start finish at 15.5 is not the best bit for a runner...as it kinda has an effect on ur mindset...overalll I love the event it's the second best after DSC”
“Great race - The give aways are little poor for such nice event. The shirt is very bland, don't see my self using it in any occasion or training like I do with other events shirts. ”
“very organized marathon. - The course should be changed to a better place. Marathon should also start earlier than the usual time.”
“best rak half marathon event i joined - Please avoid outsider to get free items in the event. As a runner when we arrived at the finish line, free items are being parted to people who never join the event.”
“/ - /”
“Great Event - Overall a great event. The older course was better, (starting at Manar Mall)”
“Very well organized event - One of the best races i 've ever been”
“One of the best organized sporting event in UAE - Brilliantly organized right from pre -race to post race communication. Some of the best giveaways, medals, photos and services offered at a modest price. Truly worth every penny spent and will surely continue to participate annually.”
“Overall a great race - Very well communicated without a doubt. The course itself wasn’t the most exciting, but a good day all round. The bus service from Dubai was also very well organized. ”
“Best organizet in the UAE - Great organization! Thank you for that. It is so nice to come back every year to this race where is not need to worry about what sort of arrangements this time... RAK half is a hassle free race! 100% reliable. See you next year!”
“Will do it again! - I just wish that the marshalls know at least basic first aid needed in a running event.”
“Perfect event as always - Very fast track, ideal for PB. Huge thank you to the team”
“Well organized professional event covering entire - I have been to many events and they focus on just participants and had nothing for kids and family, my family like to join me all times and at this event my kids enjoyed at race village , my wife could easily see me running and kids , So many pictures taken by premier officials which has never happened with me since i start participating in events . Very high quality medal which impressed me, since this was my first half marathon so i am super impressed and will recommend everyone to join . It i”
“In my case really fastest half marathon - Great event, very good track, with minimum elevation changes. Ideal for personal records. I wish to have more supporters around the track, as it was in 2015, when I have taken part in this race for the first time. Giveaways, and overall organisation is on very high level. ”
“A wonderful experience to cherish!! - This was my first half marathon and I think it had to be RAK half marathon. What an experience!! Right from registration to race pack delivery to getting there and finishing with a smile, everything went on so well !! Though last 5-6 km seem never ending, the support staff including water stations, Marshalls and even RAK police were good enough for the energy boost and made sure the runnners were charged up. !! Race village and the surprise gift was awesome. Will definitely participate nxt yr!”
“Washroom - Washroom service during the race”
“Request to Improve Support Village & After Race - An additional sandwiches would be great. There’s no option for food & healthy food for athletes/runners in the race village.”
“Great course, fantastic communication and course - Excellent. Just a great day, well organised , great communication leading up to the event.Really positive experience and a fun course , route. ”
“Amazing race! - Fully satisfied with this race! Thanks for organisators, I was very happy to take part in RAK half Marathon!”
“Got a new PB... Great event! - Keep up the good work... Would appreciate of more freebies ”
“. - .”
“Great Event - Very organized and well communicated. After the race the village is almost empty. Better to have the energy drink in small bottles.”
“Enjoyed RAK running - Great event”
“A very good event... - Thank you for yet another wonderful event.. ”
“A fantastic race - What a beautiful day for a race. The package delivery was really fast and convenient. The medal once again is amazing, thank you. I did this run as a relay team and for the first time it wasn’t very clear on where to go and those working couldn’t help us. Most just pointed and said “go that way”. When we asked for help they told us “they didn’t know”. Such a shame since in the past it was flawless and easy to get on a bus and go. That too was missed by all running the relay, the ride to and back”
“A very well organized event - Great track, communications very good, medal very big and heavy (nice !), support aid stations amazing...overall a 10!”
“A great race and course - One of my favourite events during the year. I won't mind the drive from Dubai to take part.”
“Good race - The race course was better previous years and if the race starts earlier it will be better”
“well organize - Very good”
“Very well organized - It’s my longest Run and so proud of my achievements ”
“Excellent as ever - Nice work, guys. Brilliantly done, as always. Please organise the Dubai Marathon and 10km.”
“great - Next time again”
“Well organized and great fun! - I travelled to RAK from Al Ain for this event. I really enjoyed the race and it was my first half Marathon in a while. The event was well organized and fun to take part in. A big thank you to the organizers, Marshall’s, supporters, police, emergency services, the people and leaders and premier online and all who helped make this even fun (and especially my friend W who encouraged me to take part). Will definitely run this again!”
“Well organized - Well done to the organizing team. From registration til the end. Very well organized. Appreciated the shower with towel and amenities at the end. Enough water stations and toilets. Race village was a bit messy. Should have wider start space as I waited more than 3 mins to reach the start line (adding it to my official time). Bus for Abu Dhabi didn’t have a sign. Had to go to each bus to ask where they were going. Overall is great. Would love to participate again. ”
“Very well organised event :) - Very well organised event. Thank you very much. Can't wait to take part again next year! :)”
“Excellence in all ways.. - The event started on time. Well organized. All marshalls are very helpful and encouraging. Congratulations...i will do it again next time..”
“Keeps getting better - Once again a very well organized event. Tremendous vibe and support. One of the best in the UAE”
“Overall great experience - Start and Finish to be wider for the mass start. Otherwise long queues and people pushing at the start. Great communications on SMS, facebook etc.. to keep participants updated. Race pack delivered on time and quickly. I found this event well organized with many positive aspects. Pictures and timing available very quickly after race. For the event giveaways nice to have some extras at the end of the race but a souvenir from RAK would be better than a race cap. Will try to join next year again”
“Excellent event as always and look forward to '19 - Great event thank you!”
“A great event!!! - This is an event if you are a real runner you must take part again and again!!! It is just great!!!”
“its awesome - Please give more attention to the support station.Rest is fine.”
“Have always enjoyed this event! - Kudos to the sponsors and organisers!”
“The Great Event always! - Overall that was really awesome, the course was fantastic,the whole organizing team and the Management is incredible. Above all, love the medal.”
“Great event and amazing vibe - The race village can have more stalls in terms of food, beverages etc. ”
“Perfect - Absolutely faultless, perfect in every way. Brilliant organization, fantastic course and volunteers, pre and post race communication spot on. Nathan and the POL team leave the competition standing. Only wish I had done the same! Thank you to everyone involved.”
“fantastic race as always - Great event as always from Nathan and his team. The start pens are very good, allowing faster runners to get away quickly only thing I don't like about the race it the psychological last 6K. seeing the finish line on the left, running 3k to the turn (which seems to be further away than 3k lol) then the turn back, and I swear the 19k to 20k marker is more than a K see you again RAK thanks Malcolm ”
“Excellent event. Well arranged and managed - Like any event on UAE, this event also comes with excellent standards. A very well organised event ”
“Great run for Personal bests. - Great run for flat quick pace. Actual run and scenery of the run not interesting due to seeing other runners on other side of road. Service and communications spectacular ”
“Thanks - It was so nice and much fun ,thanks ”
“Amazing! - Very organized event!”
“The best half marathon - If time of start can be earlier..it will help. Rest everything is perfect.”
“Amazing atmosphere... well organized - The atmosphere at the start/finish line is always fantastic. The event was well organized! However, the race village this year had less options in terms of food variety than last year. The positioning of the big screen away from the race village this year also meant that many people waiting at the race village could not see much of the race. Getting podium pics of the athletes are also nearly impossible with all the media crew hovering in the way... but really an amazing fun and fantastic event.”
“Marvelous - The whole event deserve 5 stars ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️, everything for well organized . It could have made better if there was marshels to guide where is the starting point for each category, I saw people was little confused , including me ”
“An excellent event - highly recommended - An excellent event that I would heartily recommend. A huge thank you to all the volunteers lining today’s route and offering invaluable support to the runners. I look forward to returning next year. ”
“Benchmark for all races in UAE - You’ve found a lifelong supporter! Everything about this race is perfect. Thank you for all your efforts and the great atmosphere! See you next year!”
“Well organised. Great atmosphere. - Very well organised event. The runners were not left wanting for any facilities or information. Well done!”
“Great event. Great atmosphere. Very enjoyable. - Nice course, great run in to finish line. Good support around the course. Hats off to the organisers, marshals and water station attendants. Finish goody bag with useful items - towel and hat ”
“Amazing - Well organized!”
“Excellent job by the organizers. - A very well organized event. ”
“Favourite half - Could you make it shorter #justkidding”