Obiri placed second in last year’s edition of the race after being edged out by Ethiopia’s Girmawit Gebrzihair who won the race in 1:04:14. She has a personal best time of 1:04:22 that she ran in the Middle East.
Obiri also made her marathon debut at last year’s New York City marathon where she placed sixth in 2:25:49. She is also a World 10,000m silver medallist. She won last year’s Istanbul Half Marathon, Bangsaen Half Marathon and the Great North Run.
Hellen Obiri in action at a past race
Obiri will be in the company of Korir, who as well, who has a decorated career. Korir finished fourth at last year’s Ras Al Khaimah marathon. She has a personal best time of 1:05:28 over the half marathon distance.
In the men’s category, Daniel Mateiko will be looking to fly the country’s flag high. He will be hoping to improve on his sixth-place finish at last year’s edition of the event. He placed third at last year’s Valencia Half Marathon. Mateiko has a life-time best of 58:26 over the distance.
Ethiopia’s Seifu Tura will also be lining up in a quest for top honours. He placed fourth at last year’s edition of the event and he lines up with a personal best time of 58:36.