Posted: November 12, 2007

Athletics: Ras Al Khaimah Marathon Represents Middle East in Greece

Thirty World Races Participate in Marathon Symposium Ras Al Khaimah November, 12, 2007: Representatives from the RAK International Half Marathon (RIHM) became the only road race from the Middle East to take part in the first annual AIMS (Association of International Marathons and Distance Races) Marathon Symposium held in the town of Marathon, Greece Nov 2-5. Participants were welcomed by Michalis Liapis, Minister of Tourism, Aris Spiliotopolous, Minister of Culture and Spiros Zagiris, Mayor of Marathon and joined representatives from thirty other international marathons. Nathan Clayton, Race Director of the RAK International Half Marathon and Rami Turk, Operations Manager of Race Organizers, Premier Marathons took the opportunity to talk to other race organizers with a view to sharing ideas, knowledge and expertise as well as promoting the emirate of Ras Al Khaimah through its world class race and the UAE in general as a destination for runners. Other delegates expressed interest in attending the forthcoming RAK International Half Marathon and establishing stronger ties between their events and RAK. Despite being the only international race in the region to attend the world gathering, there was general agreement among organizers that road running in this part of the world was increasing. Symposium participants were also invited to attend the Opening Ceremony of the 25th Athens Classic Marathon hosted at the ancient archeological site of the Marathon Tomb. It was from here that the legendary runner, Pheidippides set off to deliver news of the Greek victory in the Battle of Marathon to Athens in 490 BC and it was this historic run that became the inspiration for the modern day marathon race. This year’s edition of the Athens Classic Marathon was started by 5 time gold marathon medalist Rosa Mota and saw Kenyan Benjamin Kiprotich set a new course record by crossing the finish line in Panathinkaiko Stadium (Venue of the 1896 Olympic Games) in a time of 2:14:40. The RAK International Half Marathon joined other races for the 3 day event from Brazil, China, Germany, Japan, Latvia, USA, Sweden, Slovakia, Siberia and nine other countries in participating in what IAAF President, Lamine Diack referred to as ‘a point of reference for promoters of the Marathon and road running in general all around the world.’ The AIMS Marathon Symposium was organized by AIMS, the IAAF, the Municipality of Marathon and the Greek Athletics Federation (SEGAS). Other attendees included AIMS Vice President Paco Borao and General Secretary Hugh Jones, IAAF Road Running Coordinator Sean Wallace Jones and Berlin Marathon Race Director (1974-2004) Horst Milde. For registration information and to know more about the RAK International Half Marathon visit www.rakmarathon.org. Registration closes on November 31, 2007. The RAK International Half Marathon February 8th 2008 is the world’s richest half marathon and is held in association with RAK Police, RAK Media City and sponsored by Virgin Megastores, Official Sports Partner is New Balance. Subscribe to the Runner's Web Weekly Digest