12/12/07 

The burgeoning athletics scene in the Arabian Gulf is set to get another injection of pace in the New Year, with Patrick Makau of Kenya being first to sign up for the Ras Al Khaimah International Half-Marathon in the United Arab Emirates on February 8. Already the world’s richest half-marathon at its inauguration last year, prize money has been increased to over $200,000 for the second edition.

Makau, 22 has breached the once formidable 60 minute barrier three times in 2007, with a best of 58.56, making him the world’s number three at the distance, behind colleague Sammy Wanjiru and the ‘Great geb,’ ie Haile Gebrselassie. Makau’s most recent run was a fine second place in the IAAF World Road Running Championships in Udine, Italy in mid-October. All this after just two seasons in the top flight!