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Testimonials
“ Many thanks to all the organizers and volunteers - had a great morning. ”
“ Thanks for a great morning, very well organized. Special thanks to ALL the volunteers and staff ”
“ I’m so glad I made it in a little less than 1:45, such a great race and a fantastic day - ok little hot - :-p
Inshalla will do it again next year :-) Thanks for all… ”
“ What a real day - thanks to everyone who helped organize, and a big thank you to all the encouragement from the marshals! ”
“ Great day, amazing organization. Looking forward to next year ”
“ Thanks Nathan for the great event, well done... ”
“ I've run - well staggered - in a lot of events, mostly in Melbourne, but a couple here. Today was my first RAK. Singularly the best organized and run event I've ever participated in. ”
“ Great event and very well organized!!! My first participation but definitely not the last. See you next year!!! Thanks ”
“ RAK Marathon rocks! Well organized! Congrats to all who finished! Congrats Nathan and the rest of RAK team for all your efforts! ”
“ This had been very well organized, thank you! I am disappointed to point out it was a bit of a frustration for the volunteers on the start line, due to people just going in and snatching whatever drinks they can (non-runners I mean). But, nevertheless, it was a very well organized event. Thanks once more! ”
“ It was indeed a blast for our band :) ”
“ Well done Nathan and all the team. You did a great job; the organization was great this year again. ”
“ It is a great event, well organized and fun. It was my first attempt to run on the road and I was able to finish it. I hope to participate next year. ”
“ RAK Marathon: Best running experience of my life!
Thank you Nathan & your team for this extremely well organized event. ”
“ Enjoyed my first half marathon more than I thought I would! Some great volunteers, special mention to the lone marshal at 11kms marker before the forever gradual incline (well it seemed like it) for his enthusiasm to us runners at the back! Nathan, you and your team did a fantastic job, 5***** to you all :-) ”
“ Cheers Nathan for another cracking event, without doubt the only event in the UAE that 'does exactly what it says on the tin'. Cheers for the big shout for me and my chosen charity HELP FOR HEROES as I dragged my carcass across the line with a 16kg backpack. Marathon des Sables next woooo hooooo. ”
“ Well organized race, thrilled to be there! The best run I have ever had... Thank you Nathan and Co for a great event. ”
“ Excellent event! Thanks to all the organizers, volunteers and the very encouraging marshals. Great job! Waiting to be back next year. Cheers! ”
“ It was great! I had a good time, thanks to everyone! My two friends who cheered for me will join me next year! ”
“ Still high a few days after the run. I was able to download my picture from the Marathon Website photos - for free! Cool! They were pretty good shots too! Love RAK Half ”
“ Brilliantly organized, thank you and well done ”
“ Every year a special race ”
“ Loved it :) my first time and certainly not the last! ”
“ Good race, good organization. Thank you Nathan. I was injured half way through but I managed 1h38.
Next year, some watermelon and orange would be welcomed ”
“ That was my first half marathon and was impressed how organized it was compared to the Dubai Marathon!!! Good job :). My legs are feeling the aftermath of it but happy with my time of 1hr 44. Take care ”
“ Thanks to you and your crew for making this event a success!!! What a great experience!!! ”
“ As always, a great race. Thanks for a great day out! ”
“ A great race, well organized. Many thanks to you and the whole team! ”
“ A wonderful event Nathan. At the fourth occasion I finally got to finish the RAK half. Not my best performance (actually my worst) but a well organized event indeed. ”
“ Great work Nathan, well done again, rest up now!! ”
“ Congrats!
Today was fantastic!!
Looking forward to next year's run ;D
Hopefully as a runner (= ”
“ Thanks for the great achievements and organizing such events never been easy, but you guys do make it look easy. Thanks for the great effort. By the way it was nice to see Sheikh Saud waited to congratulate everyone including us not just Elite runner. This was great from him and it was nice to just have our pictures taking with him. See you chaps next year and I wish you could do more races in RAK. ”
“ Just quick congratulations and big thanks for once again putting together the most well executed half marathon in UAE. It is greatly appreciated by us your fellow runners...
Looking forward to racing in RAK again next year. ”
“ Congrats on a well run and very fun event! ”
“ Just want to say that I really appreciate all the time and efforts you are putting in coming back to the runners...and I want to add that I really had a great time during the half marathon...
You all did a great job!!! ”
“ I just wanted to say that I LOVE your event! This is the second time that I’ve participated and thanks for sending us our certificates. ”
“ You did a fantastic job and my colleagues and myself thoroughly enjoyed running at the RAK Marathon and will be there as every year till we can physically run or even walk. ”
“ Many thanks for this update and for your personal responses to my comments following the race.
I don’t know how much influence you had on City 7 TV’s decision to cover the race, but I certainly enjoyed watching their coverage afterwards. I would add that I found the free download of a race photo to be a good offer. I know that these are small things, but they all add up.Thanks for all your efforts. It cannot be easy organizing such a massive event, particularly in this environment.
I’m already looking forward to next year’s race. ”
“ Being familiar with UAE public event organisation, I have to admit I did fear the worst prior to the race!
With this in mind I must say congrats on what was in general a fantastic day! Yes there were some glitches with the drinks and the certs, but to be fair if it wasnt for having to wait around for a cert I wouldnt have chatted to and exchanged stories with any of the people I did! Isostar wise, I did notice its absence from the race drink stations but it didnt effect my race at all (maybe as I am a beginner water was enough).So please be proud of the day, I as a runner loved it and my wife as a spectator loved it too!
Big thumbs up to all the people who gave up their own time to help out too, everyone smiled even some of the Police!
See you next year ”
“ Thanks for taking the time and making the effort to send this email accepting responsibility for these minor glitches.
Personally I though you did a great job and as a former director and former competitive runner I think it was more important to have all the water you DID have that isostar ON the run.
It was great to have it at the finish when able to be drunk slowly and absorbed. (Too much wastage ON the run as people sip and throw!)
”
“ At the age of 55 I ran and completed my first RAK and enjoyed myself very much. I was very impressed by the organization and also by the kindness of the volunteers. ”
“ Thanks for all the hard work. ”
“ I really enjoyed the RAK 1/2 marathon and was happy with the organisation, sure there a few things to improve; the isotar thing in my mind is a not a big issue, the certificate thing is not a big deal given my results are on the internet, i don't run for a piece of paper. However I thought the medallion is a pretty nice memento. ”
“ Thanks for organizing a great event. ”
“ This was my first race in a few years after having my family. Despite being ill a week or so before the event I was determined to run it. I found the whole experience outstanding and a credit to the organisers. The emails after the event (pictures etc) were unexpected but a lovely surprise and very professional. I am determined to run again next year and beat my time :-)
Carry on with the fantastic work and I look forward to next year's event.
I just wanted to say THANK YOU as I feel people are too quick to criticize and not many say Thanks! ”
“ Hello, now I am back in Sweden.
It has been a great time for me and my wife visiting your country.
I am rather satisfied about my own race, but my goal was to run faster than 1.26. I almost managed!
I think RAK Half Marathon was a well made arrangement. I have been competing in many place so I know.
Once again, thank you very much and many regards from me in Sweden. ”
“ Thanks for a good job organising the run. The absence of isostar stations was a bit difficult, but at least you provided an explanation to the issue. ”
“ Thanks for organising a fantastic run and for sharing the pictures and email as a follow up.
Although I am still hobbling around I enjoyed absolutely everything about the run!
Thanks once again. ”
“ Congrats on an excellent RAK Half Marathon last week. Great organization and brilliant to have such a big race with top runners in it on my doorstep.
Thank for all your efforts. ”
“ I commend you on your hard work and effort as the event was such a success, with many people from all over the world. I indeed did notice that there were many more participants than last year. Keep the momentum of the event running- it is a wonderful source of community while living abroad here in the UAE. ”
“ Congratulations on a well organised half marathon. ”
“ I wanted to pass on my congratulations and thanks to everyone involved with the RAK event this year. I had an absolute fantastic experience, everything was organized so efficiently all I had to do was run, and that I did in a new PB – thank you very much! Had information not been so readily available on the website or via email and had the day itself not run like clockwork (from where I was running) I very much doubt the experience would have been as enjoyable.
I also thought the programme on City7 last night was great!
Much appreciated! ”
“ First off, I admire your emailing the racers to address perceived problems with RAK. I think this really shows what a great race co-ordinator you are.
You probably feel swamped with complaints right now, such is the life of a leader, but I have to tell you, you are held in very high esteem in the running community. Again and again I have heard (particularly from Graham Rafferty of the Dubai Road Runners, but from others as well) what a fantastic job you do, thinking foremost of the runners. My experience at RAK reflected this. What a great time!
I was surprised at the lack of electrolytes on the course, but only after another runner pointed it out to me. I'm just there to run. It was nice to have the lack explained, though personally all I really care about is whether the course is well marked enough that no one gets lost!
I think the certificates online is a good fix, as well. Me, I didn't care to stand in that line, but those complaining must not have tried to claim their bags at the Dubai Marathon. Your team made sure to have our bags organised and easy to pick up...in Dubai they threw them into a big heap!
The volunteers were great, (I can't emphasise that enough!) decorations fantastic, loved the bagpipers, the course, and well done, by the way, with the promotions through Radio 2. I don't think I've ever gone into a race feeling quite that level of community interest. Very cool.
Your photographers did a great job as well, and I love the ones I got. The turnaround time on the times and photographs was spectacular. I have raced many a run in the USA and I can tell you yours was supremely well done as far as not making us wait.
You got compliments from non-racers on your extremely professional website and brochure. A real stand-out in the UAE.
Golly, I think that's it. Keep up the good work. Off to hit up the on-line survey. :)
Sincerely. ”
“ I live in RAK and firmly believe this marathon is getting better year on year.
This years course was much better at the start/finish because of the straight rather than the traffic lights bend. The traffic was handled much better as there were no cars on the course before people finished, runners/public could arrive and leave the event/manor mall much easier.
I accept the comments about Isostar, food, certificates etc. I think this will improve for next year having viewed the modifications/improvements made this year.
Looking forward to participating in the 2010 marathon! ”
“ Me and my mate who was running for the first time thought it was well organised, the Marshals were great, and we thoroughly enjoyed the beers we opened at 11.15 when we got home in celebration of 21k!
Many Thanks! ”
“ I started training as a novice with Stride for Life for the 2008 half marathon and walked the distance in 2.34 hours. Since doing the first race it has inspired me and since that race, I have finished 4 half marathons and walked the Dubai marathon in 5.37.38. The RAK race was a must-do for my calendar and this year I ran the race and finished in 2.16.06 – a full circle, my first ever running only race on my 1st anniversary race.
Thank you to the organizers of the RAK half marathon, without my first RAK in 2008, I would not have been hooked on power walking/running. Yes, there is always room for improvement with any event but overall, the event was great. ”
“ A top effort from you and your team. Pretty well perfect. The Milers certainly enjoyed themselves as many of us ran PB’s. Thanks ”
“ For what its worth, I thought the whole thing was well done, well organised and I had a great day - so just thought I would pass on some positive feedback. ”
“ I really enjoyed myself, and I managed to finish in one piece… my first half marathon! ”
“ Thank you for a great race. ”
“ I am very impressed with the fact that you are so open about the things that could have gone better. For me and probably most athletes it was just a superb event and the absence of Isostar on the course does not change that.
Thanks to you and your team for a fantastic day! Keep it up and see you next year!! ”
“ Hi - thanks for a great race. I was expecting Isostar on the course so thanks for the explanation. I thought the parking, directions and access in and out of the race area was well organised and clearly sign posted. It was my first race, I'd done the relay 2 years ago and I felt a great sense of achievement. I didn't stay for certificate as the queue was long but I wasn't really bothered about getting one as it was more a personal thing for me so I wasn't affected by that issue.
The volunteers were great - friendly, eager, keen to help and encouraging.
Nothing else really - thanks for a great morning and for helping me tick off one of my 2009 goals! Not sure I'll do it again - some things are just one-offs but I will recommend it to others.
Regards ”
“ I would like to say that this was my first race in the UAE and hopefully not the last. We were very excited to participate in this race and looked forward to a pleasant weekend out of Dubai. We were looking forward to discovering some of RAK including the hot sprints at Khatt. The race itself was enjoyable and the medal, certificate and post Photos online are awesome.
Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to share these thoughts. ”
“ A good course, the marshals where top notch, even the people who came with me want to get involved next year. Thanks for the effort the team put in and I hope the event goes from strength to strength. ”
“ Thank you and your staff for all the hard work that you put in to making the race as great as it was! ”
“ Many thanks for a fantastic day on Friday. The organisers and staff put in a great amount of effort and it really paid off.
The RAK Half Marathon has to be the best in the region. The best organised, most scenic and most fun.
It was my first RAK Half Marathon and it won't be my last. ”
“ A big thanks to the entire crew, you guys have done an excellent job, keep up the good work. ”
“ We enjoyed the race and will try and get either a team or a group of us to run the half marathon next year !! ”
“ Thanks for a great day. The race is already a first class world event and I'm sure it will get bigger and more popular. It's good to see you naming and shaming individuals responsible for the poor standards of service that one receives in this region. ”
“ Many thanks for your congratulations to the JESS team and we also congratulate you on organizing another memorable and successful RAK Half Marathon. ”
“ Thanks again for a good organization. Though my run was not as good as I expected (I was ill the last two week before the race) at the end I was very satisfied. Thanks again for this very nice prize. I enjoyed very much as well the whole week of staying in UAE. Beside the race I have seen as well a lot of intersting and nice things (especialy for an architect as I am...). I wish you a good luck as well at the next marathon in 2010, maybe a new WR... Who knows, maybe I will even have a chance to come and run again. ”
“ Just a short message of thanks to everyone who made the RAK Half an excellent event. The atmosphere was fab, the crowd support, scenery, fresh air, police support, marshalls, music and most importantly the toilets and everything else was brilliant. Communication, before, during and after the event has been great and I generally wanted to thank everyone for making it a fantastic day. Please pass this info on to all concerned. I will be back next year but faster!! ”
“ Well done to you and your team on your excellent event up at RAK! I have only heard very positive stories from participants and everyone commented how well organized it was. The results are also amazing with all the info from the ChampionChips. ”
“ Great race…I’ve heard nothing but positive comments. ”
“ I want to say thank you to you for the help you provided. All my colleagues confirmed that they had a great time! ”
“ Dear Nathan and Team
I wanted to write a quick email to say how much I enjoyed the half marathon last Friday. I run with Deborah and the Stride For Life team. Running the half was one of the best experiences of my life and a true accomplishment.
Right from registering online to the finish line, everything was organized and easy.
One little thing – not enough loos! Every time I went to use the loo it was occupied and I wasn’t willing to wait too long. I’m sure you can understand that.
Thank you again for all the work you and your team put into this event.
Well done and bravo! ”
“ Thank you for the organization of a splendid race. The organization was even better than last year's race. Great atmosphere, I just wonder how you got the weather to be that perfect for a run. Congratulations on yet another fantastic event. "RAK" on! ”
“ Well done, really enjoyed the day.
Just one very minor comment for possible improvement: Maybe next years there could be garbage bins in the finish area for people to use for their empty bottles, etc.
Many thanks to all the team for organising a great race. Already looking forward to next year's event.
”
“ Dear Mr Nathan Clayton and team,
Just would like to thank you, HH Shaikh Saud Bin Saqr Al Qasimi and all the hard-working people responsible for offering such a wonderful Half Marathon event yesterday! Everything was so well prepared ... super announcer (he kept everybody up to date in an enjoyable manner) lots of water, Isostar ... and clean washrooms!!!It was great fun watching the elite runners GO ... amazing!
Was also happy to see all the shoes4Africa being collected and hopefully donations being made.
Hope to be able to participate in next year's RAK Half Marathon event ... in'shallah!
A big SHUKRAN to all of you!!! ”
“ This is Wissam from the Beirut Marathon Association. I ran the Half Marathon 2008 it was a excellent Half Marathon and i made my personal best. Everything was great (water station, Km Marker, the track 100% flat, even the weather). ”
“ Thank you for a fantastically well organised race. ”
“ Hey Nathan,
Just wanted to let u know that all the people I did speak to about your event were all very happy about the way it was organized.Well done to u and your team!
It is good to see professional people running such an event. ”
“ Great job, great race and all the friends enjoyed the race and organization as well..you guys pulled of a sweet one! ”
“ Well done on organising such a successful event! ”
“ Thank you for an enjoyable race, will be back next year! ”
“ Thanks for the race of last week. ”
“ Thanks to organisers. ”
“ Congratulations on the world half marathon record last week by Samuel Wanjiru. ”
“ I really care about my rank and my result in this amazing race cause we all care about this half marathon. ”
“ I took part of this very good organized race last Friday. Thank you for these lovely and happy moments. ”
“ We had a great day and thought the event was generally well organized. ”
“ Thanks a lot and look forward to the race next year! ”
“ Well done on the event – a smooth experience. ”
“ I wanted to drop a quick note of thanks for a FANTASTIC run last Friday.
This would have to be one of the best events that I have participated in. The administration & communication was great, the web site, scheduled race pack pick ups & transport were first rate.
On the day, RAK was a great location with perfect weather conditions. The course was interesting with lots of supporters around the track cheering on the runners. I had a positive feeling that many in the community were interested in what was taking place & showed it with all the enthusiastic encouragement they provided along the way. The relay teams added another great dimension to the event with their runners & supporters adding to the “buzz” of event. There were plenty of water/drink stations and plenty of officials from police & volunteers on a traffic free circuit. Loved the old helicopter that was flying over the start of the course….
I can only imagine the amount of work put into this event and just wanted to let you know that it was much appreciated, you did a great job, well done. Thanks all and I think a few will be looking forward to next years run. I know we are. ”
“ To all involved in the 2007 RAK Half Marathon, Just want to say a big Thank You for making my 1st Half Marathon one I will never forget. Achieved my "it would be great if I could" target of 2:10 something (12 mins better than I expected to finish) and was in the race the World Record was set in! The water stations were frequent and really supportive so a special thanks to all the volunteers. My wife said the entertainment commentary was excellent and kept her involved at the finish line from start to finish. Now she's got the bug and wants to start running too. Can't wait for next year! Thanks! ”
“ Would like to say a big thank you - lots of my friends and I ran in the half marathon yesterday and thought that it was really well organised. ”
“ A truly great day out! ”
“ Just a quick message to thank you all for the great organisation. Every thing was great. Take care and see you next year at Half RAK Marathon 2008: Will you be there? ”
“ Thank you for organizing a very nice run. ”
“ What a well run and tremendously enjoyable event, WELL DONE. I know I will be back again next year, and I’m sure the following of the event will gather pace to become one of the foremost half marathons in the world. Congratulations to all concerned. ”
“ I would like to thank the team of RAK Half Marathon for the huge effort they have put in to make this event as succesfull as it was. The organization was no less than the standard expected for the richest half marathon in the world. The experience was very joyfull, with the hope that this event will be repeated with as much success next year. ”
