Ras Al Khaimah – run with the world’s best athletes while enjoying fantastic hospitality

Ras Al Khaimah – run with the world’s best athletes while enjoying fantastic hospitality

AW
Published: 26th February, 2022
Updated: 18th December, 2024
BY Paul Freary

There is a lot more to RAK than simply world-class running!

The 15th edition of the famous RAK Half Marathon delivered once again this year with Jacob Kiplimo winning in a sensational course record time of 57:56, while Britain’s Eilish McColgan claimed a British female half-marathon record of 66:26.

Elite athletes at RAK
Elite athletes at RAK

The course on Marjan island is perfectly flat, with a beautifully smooth-running surface. A 7am start time ensures the temperature is just right for running and, with next to no wind, conditions are almost guaranteed to be perfect. These factors make the RAK Half the perfect destination for those seeking a great half marathon experience.

But a visit to RAK offers much more than running, with a wealth of other sporting activities on offer as well as sight-seeing and cultural experiences to add to your stay.

READ MORE: 2022 RAK Half Marathon coverage

One of the many hotels on Marjan island, close to the race start, is the Rixos. An ultra-all-inclusive resort, it offers a variety of dining experiences and bars scattered around its extensive gardens and beech front location. A wide range of shows, entertainment and activities are also on offer for guests, making the Rixos unique place to stay in the region and a perfect destination for a family retreat.

The Rixos Hotel RAK
The Rixos Hotel RAK

To find out more about Rixos, click here.

Within easy reach of the many beach front hotels are the highest mountains in the UAE at Jebel Jais.

The viewing deck park here provides spectacular views across the mountains at a height of 1250m. With smooth roads up the mountains it’s a popular destination for cyclists to tackle some great mountain climbs.

Jebel Jais RAK
Jebel Jais RAK

At the top of the mountain, those with a real taste for adventure can take on the longest zipline in the world! At over 2.8km in length ‘flyers’ can reach speeds of up-to 160kph!

The world's longest zipwire
The world's longest zipwire

Fancy a taste of survival in the wild?

Why not include a stay at the new Bear Grylls Explorer Camp? Here, trained instructors will give you lessons in all the skills needed to survive in the wild.

While in the area it’s easy to combine a visit to the Suwaidi Pearl Farm. From the coast a short boat trip can take you to the farm where cultured pearls are farmed, a truly unique experience.

To find out more, CLICK HERE and HERE

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