Yeshaneh breaks world record at RAK Half Marathon

Ababel Yeshaneh from Ethiopia became the fastest woman in history after winning the 2020 Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon.

She smashed the world record in the women's race with a time of 64:31 over 21.0975KM, smashing the previous record by 20 seconds and outdoing her previous personal best by over a minute.

Brigid Kosgei came in second place with a time of 64:49, beating her personal best by 39 seconds as well as the old world record.

Kenya’s Rosemary Monicah took third place with a time of 65:34, a world record for a debut. 

It's Ababel Yeshaneh second win in the UAE, after winning the 2018 ADNOC Abu Dhabi Marathon.

ababel birhane set the new half marathon world record 64.31!!

Kosgei in 2nd place 64.48 under the previous world record 🔥🔥🔥

Simply amazing race!!#RAKHALF2020 pic.twitter.com/TuVVdZRr3x

— RAK Half Marathon (@rakhalfmarathon) February 21, 2020

The Men's race was won by Kibiwott Kandie from Kenya with a time of 58:58, beating his personal best by 34 seconds.

Alexander Mutiso of Kenya took second place with a time of 59:16, followed 31 seconds later by Ethiopia’s Mule Wasihun with a time of 59:47. 

Kibiwot Kandie (ken) has just won the RAK Half marathon 2020 in 58.57!

2nd Munyao
3rd Washiun#RAKHALF2020 pic.twitter.com/lEWj9SCs78

— RAK Half Marathon (@rakhalfmarathon) February 21, 2020

In the fourteen years the Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon has been running, 2020 saw its largest ever turn-out with 5,200 runners competing across various categories, including full half marathon, a relay, 5 km and a 1 km fun run.

With a total prize purse of AED 1,219,000, this year's Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon covered a brand new course on Al Marjan Island in Ras Al Khaimah.