Geoffrey Kamworor makes triumphant return to RAK Half Marathon after 13 years

Three-time world half-marathon and triple world cross country champion Geoffrey Kamworor made a triumphant return to the Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon, 13 years after his career-defining victory, to run 58:14 for the win.

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The former World Record holder in the distance dominated the race to finish nine seconds ahead of Bahrain’s Birhanu Balew (58:23), while third place went to Kenyan Gideon Rono in 58:38.

A group of seven passed the 10km point in 27:42 before four athletes fought it out at the front until the 2013 winner broke away and cruised to the finish.

“From 14 kilometres onwards I knew I was going to win,“ said Kamworor, whose long-term goal is to qualify for the Olympic marathon.

“This performance is a big motivation for me. I am now preparing for the London Marathon. There will be very strong competition, but that’s what I like.”

In the women’s event, Asmarech Anley stunned a talented field by winning her first race over the half-marathon distance in a time of 67:22, with fellow Ethiopian Melknat Wude Sharew in second place (67:27) and Tanzania’s Magdelena Shauri completing the podium places in third in 67:32.

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Six women were still in contention with around 5km to go. Ethiopians Wude and Anley moved ahead after the 20km mark before the latter overtook her compatriot with a few hundred metres to go.

“It was not until the final kilometre that I thought I could win,“ said Anley, who was the African Junior 3,000m Champion in 2023.

“I will continue to run half marathons for some time since I am not ready yet to move up to the marathon.”

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