Posted: October 23, 2007

Athletics: RAK Marathon Renews Strategic Partnership

Virgin Megastore, Uae Strengthens Its Association For 08 Event Ras Al Khaimah October 22, 2007: From the first week of November all Virgin Megastores across the UAE will provide and accept registration forms at their cash desks. As always charity plays a large part in this event and in line with the RAK International Half Marathon’s charitable fundraising initiative whereby 50% of all registration fees go to the Official Charity, Virgin Megastore has once again graciously waived their usual commission to enable charity to benefit more. Additionally, this year all VIP card holders can benefit from a 25% discount off their registration in store, including the team registration if they’re registering as part of a team. These discounts do not affect the charity percentage. Virgin Megastore accounted for 23% of all registrations last year in the Half Marathons inaugural event and that figure is expected to rise significantly over the next six weeks until registration closes. Virgin Megastore Events Coordinator, Kamelia Deleva affirmed that it “…would be Virgin Megastore’s pleasure to support the event.” Packet Pick Up (PPU) is the period when registered runners collect their goody bag containing their exclusive bib number, race t-shirt, ChampionChip®, official program (including final race instructions for taking part) and selected sponsors merchandise. PPU will be held exclusively in select Virgin Megastore Stores between the 8th and 12th January, 2008. All runners will then be required to visit a PPU location nearest to them in order to collect their Packets. This year Packet Pick Up stands will be located INSIDE the Virgin Megastore Stores in a special ‘runners themed area’ as Virgin Megastore and The RAK International Half Marathon strengthen their association with one another. Timings will be set to cater to as many people as possible especially out of working hours and on weekends so that long commutes are not generally needed. Race Crew members will also be on hand throughout to answer any queries. Nathan Clayton, Race Director and Founder of race organizers Premier Marathons acknowledged “We feel it’s as important for events such as the RAK Half to build relationships with our sponsors and constantly seek out new and innovative ways to strengthen such associations as it is to provide the ultimate service for our runners. Taking the Packet Pick Up facility to different emirates is one of the many ways we cater to our local runners directly and as the organizers of the race, this is our first and foremost priority. For registration information and to know more about the race itself visit www.rakmarathon.org. Registration closes on November 31, 2007. The RAK International Half Marathon, February 8th 2008 is the world’s richest half marathon. Subscribe to the Runner's Web Weekly Digest