Kenyans Bedan Karoki and Fancy Chemutai are the male and female winners of the 2018 edition of the Ras Al Khaimah (RAK) Half Marathon in the United Arab Emirates.
The two won the races during the event held on Friday, February 9, 2018.
Bedan Karoki defended the men title he won last year after running for 58 minutes and 42 seconds to defeat Ethiopia’s Jemel Yimer who finished second 18 seconds later.
Other Kenyans Alex Kibet, Jorum Okombo, Morris Gachaga, Wilfred Kimitei, Edwin Kiptoo, Bernard Kimeli and Vincent Rono finished in the 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th and 9th positions respectively.
In the women category, Fancy Chemutai led a Kenyan podium finish in a time of 1 hour, four minutes and 52 seconds ahead of Mary Keitany who came in second three seconds later, while Caroline Kipkuri finished third in a time of 1 hour, five minutes and seven seconds.
Other Kenyans Joan Chelimo Melly, Joyciline Jepkosgei, Brigid Kosgei, Gladys Cherono and Naomi Jebet came in 4th, 5th, 7th, 8th and 10th respectively.
The top ten positions were occupied by Kenyans and Ethiopians.
RAK half marathon is held annually since 2007. Most Kenyan long-distance runners have been using the event to announce themselves on the international marathon stage.