Category: News

CARMEL, Ind., Feb. 18 — Humanization. Accountability. Consequences. These, plus 37 other concepts that can make or break career momentum, come to life one concise, interactive capsule at a time in the distinctive new book,  BOS-UP Moments: Field Guide to Prosper in Business, Work & Life, from executive coach and bestselling author Scott Abbott.

 No lengthy chapters. No abstract theories. Just 40 short, immersive experiences that blend written insights with visual cues and QR-linked videos. BOS-UP Moments is designed to engage readers directly, turning wisdom into participation rather than passive consumption.

 Calling BOS-UP Moments “the connective tissue between business operating systems … and real-world experience,” Abbott explains that the book focuses squarely on the human side of great leadership. He’s talking about the soft skills, self-awareness and mindset needed for meaningful development and growth.

 Here’s What Makes BOS-UP Moments Different:

• Practical, Not Theoretical: No long chapters. No jargon-heavy frameworks. Just focused leadership moments that can be applied immediately.

• Designed for the Modern Workforce: Short reads. Video integration. Flexible usage. Ideal for hybrid, remote and in-person teams.

• Inclusive and Human-Centered: Insights translate beyond the workplace, supporting communication, confidence, self-awareness and emotional intelligence in work and life.

• Affordable and Scalable: One resource. Endless applications. A fraction of the cost of a traditional training program.

 From classrooms and training programs to leadership teams and individual growth plans, BOS-UP Moments is built for students entering their first roles and executives guiding complex organizations alike — supporting clearer thinking, stronger communication and more intentional leadership at every career stage.

 “Every moment helps transform you from who you are into who you want to be,” Abbott added. “If you’re building a great business, leading a team, coaching others, navigating pressure or simply striving to become the best, most grounded version of yourself, this book is made for you. And the magic inside it is real.”

 BOS-UP Moments: Field Guide to Prosper in Business, Work & Life

Publisher: BOS-UP Publishing

Release Date: November 20, 2025

ISBN-13: ‎979-8273631236

SAN DIEGO — Feb 18— InnoVision Marketing Group (IMG) continues to prove what happens when strategy, creativity and culture come together with a purpose. The full-service marketing agency took home three first-place honors at this year’s PRSA Bernays Awards for the San Diego/Imperial Counties, including the “Best in Show” honor. 

IMG’s submission for their work on the Amerigo Vespucci World Tour took home “Best in Show,” proving to be the most impactful and highest-scoring submission across the 14 Silver Bernays award categories. The “Best in Show” award reflects the strength of IMG’s public relations team and its growing role as a trusted driver of earned media and brand storytelling. Moreso, the award showcases the company’s unwavering commitment to excellence and dedication to fostering a positive and creative environment for team members to thrive. 

IMG was also awarded two Silver Bernays Mark of Excellence Awards, an honor that highlights exceptional performances and creative visions within the public relations industry. IMG earned their first Silver Bernays Mark of Excellence Award in the Community Relations category, highlighting the agency’s pivotal press conference for Herman Law, the nation’s leading law firm for victims of childhood sexual abuse. Working with just a three-week deadline, IMG developed and executed a press conference, coordinating logistics and key messaging, crafting survivor-centered language that balanced legal precision with empathy. By strategically targeting local media, IMG maximized coverage while protecting survivor privacy. 

The agency won their second Silver Bernays Mark of Excellence Award in the Events and Observances category for their work on the Amerigo Vespucci World Tour, turning the arrival of the historic Italian naval ship into a high-impact media moment by generating extensive local and national coverage. IMG was brought on by the Italy-based marketing team for the Amerigo Vespucci to generate widespread awareness and excitement around the ship’s arrival in Los Angeles. The agency’s efforts generated over $2 million in organic media coverage, securing high-impact segments on major outlets such as KTLA (Los Angeles), KCAL (Los Angeles) and even extending beyond the metro area to KUTV (Salt Lake City) and WIFR (Rockford, Illinois).  

“These awards truly reflect the strength of InnoVision Marketing Group as a whole,” said Karla Nafarrate, Vice President of Public Relations at InnoVision Marketing Group. “The work recognized here is only possible because of the collaboration, trust, creativity, leadership and behind-the-scenes effort that elevates all our work every day. This is what happens when the entire agency shows up and supports one another.” 

Through bold storytelling, strategic execution and relentless innovation, IMG continues to redefine industry standards. Offering a comprehensive suite of marketing services delivered entirely in-house, the marketing group’s vision of fostering a positive and creative environment as the Anti-Agency® propels them forward. 

Researchers discover that familiar food ingredients can work together inside immune cells to drastically boost each other’s anti-inflammatory effects

 

Chronic inflammation often manifests as a silent process, causing no immediate pain or major symptoms. However, if left unchecked, it can eventually turn into a silent killer by contributing to serious conditions including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, obesity, arthritis, and even cancers. At the cellular level, inflammation is driven by immune cells that release chemical signals to fight perceived infections or injury, and diet is known to influence this process. Many everyday foods and seasonings—such as herbs, spices, and aromatic plants—contain natural compounds called phytochemicals that can regulate inflammatory pathways. For centuries, these ingredients have been used together in traditional cuisine and herbal practices, long before their biological effects were understood.

 

Despite this long history, modern science has struggled to understand the anti-inflammatory mechanisms driven by plant-based ingredients. Many individual plant compounds show anti-inflammatory effects in laboratory experiments, but only at concentrations much higher than those possible to reach through a normal diet. As a result, there has been skepticism about whether so-called ‘anti-inflammatory foods’ can meaningfully affect immune responses in the body. Even more unclear is how different compounds might work together inside cells in a synergistic manner, with specific combinations producing stronger effects than single ingredients alone. Such synergies have rarely been measured experimentally, nor explained at the molecular level.

 

To address these questions, a research team led by Professor Gen-ichiro Arimura from the Department of Biological Science and Technology, Tokyo University of Science, Japan, investigated how combinations of familiar plant-derived compounds produce anti-inflammatory effect in immune cells. Their study, publishedinVolume 18, Issue 3 ofthe journal Nutrients on January 23, 2026, examined whether pairing compounds found in mint, eucalyptus, and chili peppers could suppress inflammatory signals more effectively than using each compound independently.

 

The researchers focused on macrophages, a type of immune cell that plays a central role in inflammation by producing small signaling proteins called cytokines, which promote inflammation. In their experiments, murine macrophages were stimulated with lipopolysaccharide, a bacterial component commonly used to trigger inflammation in cellular studies. The team then treated these cells with menthol (from mint), 1,8-cineole (from eucalyptus), capsaicin (from chili peppers), andβ-eudesmol (from hops and gingers), both individually and in carefully controlled combinations.

 

Using gene expression analysis, protein level measurements, and calcium imaging analysis, the researchers examined how these compounds affected key inflammatory biomarkers. They also tested whether the plant compounds acted through transient receptor potential (TRP) channels; these are proteins in the cell membrane that sense chemical and physical stimuli and help regulate calcium signaling, which is important for immune cell activation.

 

When used alone, capsaicin stood out as the most potent anti-inflammatory compound. However, the most striking synergistic results appeared for compound combinations. “When capsaicin and menthol or 1,8-cineole were used together, their anti-inflammatory effect increased several hundred-fold compared to when each compound was used alone,” highlights Prof. Arimura.

 

Further experiments aided in elucidating the mechanism behind the synergistic function. Menthol and 1,8-cineole acted through TRP channels and calcium signaling, whereas capsaicin has been suggested to suppress inflammation through a different pathway independent of TRP. “We demonstrated that this synergistic effect is not a coincidence, but is based on a novel mode of action resulting from the simultaneous activation of different intracellular signaling pathways,” says Prof. Arimura. “This provides clear molecular-level evidence for the empirically known effects of combining food ingredients.”

 

These findings help explain how mixtures of plant compounds could exert notable biological effects even at low doses achievable through diet. Moreover, they suggest new ways to design functional foods, supplements, seasonings, or fragrances that deliver strong effects using small amounts of their active ingredients.

 

Broadly speaking, the study supports the idea that the health benefits of plant-rich diets may arise not from single ‘super compounds,’ but from cooperative or synergistic interactions among many plant components.

 

While further studies in animal models and humans are needed to cement these conclusions, this work provides a clearer scientific basis for understanding how everyday foods and natural anti-inflammatory compounds may help regulate chronic inflammation,ultimately supporting long-term health.

New-batch applications will be accepted until April 10

Feb 17, 2026, Moscow

Sber is announcing the start of the seventh batch of Sber500, an international seed accelerator for technology startups from Russia and abroad.

The seed accelerator invites startups with finished products or breakthrough DeepTech projects at earlier stages that can contribute to the long-term development of key sectors of the economy. Some of the tech priorities are generative artificial intelligence, robotics, new materials, and other science-driven fields with high scaling potential. Special attention is given to international startups seeking to grow their business and raise investments in Russia.

The seed accelerator program will last for 12 weeks and will be conducted in English. The first stage — an online boot camp — will bring together 150 teams to shape or rethink their strategy and product, as well as propose a strategy for applying their solutions within the Sber ecosystem.

Following the boot camp selection stage, the top 25 teams will proceed into the main program to work with international mentors and Sber500 partners from among investors and large companies. The final stage of the accelerator is a demo day at the Moscow Startup Summit in the fall of 2026, where startups will pitch their solutions to the leaders of major corporations, venture fund partners, and government officials.

Alexander Vedyakhin, first deputy chairman of the Executive Board, Sberbank:

“Sber500 is a unique project for the Russian market. It combines the interests of investors, corporate partners, the state, and, of course, Sber itself. For us, it is an opportunity to build a community of technology partners around us and significantly accelerate the marketing of new products. For startups, it is a chance to acquire a client and test the viability of their product on a large infrastructure.

“Sber500 teams pitch their solutions to 70 venture investors, funds, more than 30 customers, and negotiate partnerships with Sber companies. Graduates of the previous six batches raised RUB 1 bn (USD 13 mn) in investments in 2025 alone, which is approximately 14% of the Russian venture market in 2025, according to Venture Guide. All investments in the 155 graduates of the accelerator over six years surpassed RUB 4.6 bn (USD 60 mn), while their revenue grew on average four-fold within two years after the accelerator. In some cases, it soars by up to 1,000 times.”

Feb 17: Point S, the world’s leading independent tyre dealer and car maintenance network, has announced the renewal of its partnership with Team Peugeot TotalEnergies for the 2026 FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC).

The partnership represents another milestone collaboration for Point S, solidifying its presence in the motorsport industry alongside historic endurance racing organisation, Peugeot Sport. As with the 2025 season, the Point S logo will feature prominently on the PEUGEOT 9X8 Hypercar in the Hypercar category, as well as on driver suits and helmets, showcasing the global brand to millions of motorsport fans across the world.

The continuation of their collaboration reflects the shared values of both Point S and Team Peugeot TotalEnergies. Endurance racing embodies the core principles of the global network and mirrors its dedication to excellence, safety, and innovation.

Fabien Bouquet, Point S International CEO, said: “Renewing our partnership with Team Peugeot TotalEnergies highlights Point S’s commitment to performance and innovation, and showcases our continued desire to engage with motorsport supporters worldwide. In continuing this partnership, we are merging the expertise of both parties and reinforcing the link between performance on the track and performance on the road. Independent tyre dealers and workshops can learn a lot from endurance racing and vice versa, and our collaboration with Team Peugeot TotalEnergies serves a bridge between two different ends of the automotive spectrum. We are excited to for the 2026 season to begin and to support our partners at Peugeot Sport throughout the year.”

Olivier Jansonnie, Stellantis Motorsport Director, said: “We are very pleased to continue our collaboration with Point S for the 2026 FIA WEC season. The continued support of committed partners is essential to the performance and long-term sustainability of PEUGEOT’s involvement in Endurance racing. Our shared expertise, values and objectives, together with the trust Point S places in us, will once again enable the PEUGEOT 9X8 programme to shine on the international stage in 2026”

Beginning in Qatar on 28th March, the 2026 WEC season will again see Team Peugeot TotalEnergies represented by world-class drivers, including Nick Cassidy, Paul Di Resta, Stoffel Vandoorne, Loïc Duval, Malthe Jakobsen. The team will also be joined by new, highly anticipated official driver, Théo Pourchaire.

New Delhi, Feb 16: Vedic mantras and spiritual enthusiasm filled the atmosphere at Anand Dham Ashram during the Mahashivratri celebrations held on February 14th and 15th, 2026. The two-day event brought devotees together for spiritual activities in the presence of Param Pujya Shri Sudhanshu Ji Maharaj and Dr. Archika Didi. The event honored Lord Shiva through traditional rituals, soulful Shiv Katha, and prayers at the twelve Jyotirlingas. These activities, combined with profound spiritual teachings, filled the atmosphere with a sense of peace and grace.

Reflecting on the significance of the day, Param Pujya Shri Sudhanshu Ji Maharaj said, 

“Mahashivratri is not merely a ritual; it is a sacred bridge that connects the human soul with the cosmic energy of Lord Shiva. When we pray with a pure heart and steady mind, we experience the stillness and divine strength that resides within all of us.”

The celebrations began with a unique and massive spiritual undertaking: the preparation of one lakh and twenty-five thousand Parthiv Shivlingas. These sacred forms were hand-crafted by devotees and young Rishis using holy soil brought from the banks of the River Narmada. The atmosphere at the Ashram was filled with quiet dedication as participants prepared these Shivlingas, which were later placed near the Pashupatinath Temple and the ancient Banyan tree within the premises.

On the main day of Mahashivratri, the air resonated with the sound of continuous Vedic chants during a grand Rudrabhishek ceremony. All 1.25 lakh Shivlingas were ritualistically bathed with sacred offerings such as milk, honey, and water. This ceremony was followed by the “Four Prahar Puja,” a rare overnight worship schedule that began at 6:00 PM and continued until the early hours of the next morning. Many devotees stayed throughout the night, participating in the vigil to experience the mental peace and purification associated with these traditional prayers.

Speaking on the meditative aspect of the festival, Dr. Archika Didi remarked,

 “The night of Shiva is a journey from the outer world to the inner self. Through meditation and devotion, we invite divine grace into our lives, allowing us to find true bliss and a sense of transformation.”

The spiritual experience was further enriched by “Shiv Dhyan,” a special midnight meditation session that focused on inner stillness and the yogic traditions of Lord Shiva. Complementing the silence of meditation was “Shiv Tarang,” a cultural evening featuring soulful devotional music and spiritually inspired dance.

The venue, Anand Dham Ashram, served as a beautiful backdrop for the celebrations. Devotees took the opportunity to visit the 12 Jyotirlinga installations and the 800 kg Shri Yantra at the “Shiv Varadan Tirtha.” The event concluded with a sense of profound peace, leaving participants with memories of a beautifully conducted journey of faith.

Hyderabad, Feb 16: Himalaya BabyCare, one of India’s most trusted baby care brands loved by babies and trusted by parents, has introduced a refreshed packaging design across its entire Gentle Baby Care Range, marking an important step in its ongoing sustainability journey. The new packaging combines improved usability, thoughtful design, and a strong environmental focus, reflecting Himalaya BabyCare’s continued efforts to reduce plastic waste and create meaningful impact.

In line with its sustainability roadmap, the brand’s redesigned packaging is projected to eliminate the use of 500 tons of plastic over the next five years, cutting consumption by approximately 100 tons annually. The initiative also reflects a growing shift among parents who are increasingly mindful of the environmental impact of everyday choices and are seeking products that align with a more responsible future for their children.

The new packaging launch is supported by a powerful digital film that taps into a shared parental concern the future our children will inherit. Set at a parents’ meet, the film opens with a though-provoking conversation around the growing burden of plastic waste and its long-term impact. What follows is an honest, relatable exchange that reflects a belief many parents hold today, that protecting children goes beyond daily care routines and extends to the choices we make for the world around them.

Through this narrative, Himalaya BabyCare reinforces how mindful actions like reducing plastic through thoughtful packaging can collectively help build a cleaner, kinder, and sustainable future for the next generation.

Commenting on the thought behind the change, Mr. N. V. Chakravarthi, Director – BabyCare, Himalaya Wellness Company, said,

“At Himalaya BabyCare, our responsibility goes beyond creating gentle and safe products for babies today.Every decision we make is guided by our belief that while babies deserve the best of Nature’s nourishment, caring for Nature is essential to ensure a healthier world for our children tomorrow. BabyCare’s packaging transformation reflects our commitment to supporting the future of children by reducing plastic waste and staying true to our promise of gentle care that is good for our babies and good for our planet.”

The refreshed packs feature a cleaner, modern visual language with enhanced labelling for easy readability. Thoughtfully designed with parents in mind, the new packaging offers better ergonomics, grip, and stability—making everyday use hassle-free without compromising quality or safety.

To ensure the message reaches parents across India, the digital film has been developed in Hindi, with adaptations across ten additional regional languages, namely Punjabi, Tamil, Kannada, Telugu, Bengali, Odia, Assamese, Gujarati, and Marathi, enabling deeper resonance across diverse communities.

With this initiative, Himalaya BabyCare reiterates its belief that baby care goes beyond skincare. It is about shaping the world our children will inherit – sustainably and in harmony with Nature.

At the center of the Arab world, Egypt stands out with a heritage shaped by thousands of years of culture, faith, and tradition. It is a place where history lives through everyday rituals and where the national spirit is renewed with each festive season.

As Ramadan approaches, cities and towns across the country transform with a blend of spirituality and celebration. From Cairo’s bustling avenues to the small villages lining the Nile, lanterns, lights, and vibrant decorations illuminate streets, shops, and homes. The scents of traditional dishes and beloved Ramadan sweets drift through the air, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere for residents and visitors alike.

At W7Worldwide Strategic Communications Agency, the annual “Ramadan Around the World” series continues, exploring how different countries celebrate the holy month. After featuring Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Indonesia, this year’s focus turns to Egypt, home to Al-Azhar, historic Islamic architecture, and a vibrant popular culture that brings Ramadan to life. The series aims to capture Egypt’s distinctive Ramadan spirit, where faith, tradition, and art come together in an atmosphere of joy, serenity, and community.

A Season of Faith and Festivity

Ramadan in Egypt carries a unique charm that attracts visitors from across the region and beyond. As the month nears, markets and neighborhoods come alive with preparation. Seasonal fairs display Ramadan essentials, dried fruits, nuts, and spices, while traditional lanterns cast colorful reflections across alleyways, creating a festive and welcoming mood.

When the crescent moon is sighted, celebrations begin across the country. Classic folk songs such as “Wahawi Ya Wahawi” echo through the streets, children walk with glowing lanterns, and warm greetings like “Ramadan Kareem” (Have a blessed Ramadan) and “Kul ‘Aam Wa Antum Bikhair” (Wishing you well throughout the year) fill homes, television broadcasts, and social platforms.

One of the most iconic Ramadan moments in Egypt comes at sunset. As the adhan for Maghrib approaches, families wait for the sound of the historic iftar cannon, fired today from Mokattam Hill near the Salah El-Din Citadel. Similar cannons across the governorates mark the same moment, signaling households to gather for iftar.

Historic Mosques at the Heart of the Month

Egypt’s historic mosques form the spiritual center of Ramadan nights. Landmark sites such as Al-Azhar, Al-Hussein, and Amr Ibn Al-As welcome thousands of worshippers for Taraweeh and Tahajjud prayers. Quran recitations, spiritual lessons, and community gatherings fill these sacred spaces, where courtyards remain lively well into the night.

Cultural performances, heritage events, and Ramadan tents offering traditional dishes bring families and friends together throughout the evenings. As suhur approaches, the mesaharati, known as the dawn caller, walks through neighborhoods tapping his drum and calling residents to wake. The tradition remains one of the most beloved and enduring features of Egyptian Ramadan nights.

A Culinary Tradition Passed Through Generations

Ramadan in Egypt is inseparable from its rich culinary heritage. Iftar typically begins with dates and traditional drinks such as Qamar al-Din (dried apricot paste), along with khoshaf, tamarind, hibiscus, and sobya. Households then serve classic dishes including mahshi, molokhia, roasted chicken, hearty tagines (clay-pot stews), and a variety of comforting soups.

Desserts play a central role in the month’s celebrations. Kunafa, qatayef, and a variety of oriental sweets fill bakeries and dessert shops each evening. These dishes reflect the generosity of Egyptian households and capture the joy that defines gathering around the iftar table.

Traditions of Community and Compassion

Egypt’s Ramadan customs carry deep social significance. Families make it a priority to gather for iftar, and mawa’id al-rahman, the public charity tables set up across the country, provide meals to anyone fasting, embodying the nation’s deep-rooted culture of generosity.

Spiritual practices reinforce this sense of togetherness. Taraweeh prayers bring communities closer, and during the last ten days of the month, many worshippers observe i’tikaf in mosques, dedicating time to reflection and prayer. Charitable activities flourish during this period, from food donations to financial support and other acts of giving.

Ramadan Nights in Cairo

Ramadan nights in Egypt are lively and filled with cultural richness. Cairo’s historic streets resonate with spiritual chants and heritage performances. Al-Muizz Street and Khan El Khalili transform into open-air cultural hubs where visitors enjoy music, crafts, and traditional cafés. The aroma of coffee blends with the sounds of religious hymns, creating an atmosphere that reflects Cairo’s timeless Ramadan character.

In cities such as Cairo and Alexandria, night markets, cultural shows, and Ramadan tents continue until suhur, offering a festive experience that brings together families, friends, and travelers.

Ramadan in Egypt is a harmony of spirituality and celebration, tradition and renewal. It is a month that Egyptians eagerly anticipate each year, embracing the values of generosity, compassion, and unity that define the holy month.

A Journey Through Egypt’s Ramadan Stories

Our “Ramadan in Egypt” series invites readers to explore traditional dishes, cultural customs across cities and villages, and the most enchanting Ramadan nights in Cairo and Alexandria, concluding with the joy of Eid al-Fitr.

Join us as we explore the stories of Ramadan in Egypt, from illuminated streets to spiritual nights and centuries-old traditions. It is a journey that reflects the country’s unique blend of culture and faith and celebrates the warmth and joy that Egyptians are known for.

Ramadan Mubarak, may Allah accept your fasting and prayers.

Mumbai, Feb 16. Hyderabad-based digital transformation leader [x]cubeLABS today announced the launch of Ello, its proprietary multilingual Voice AI platform for Indian enterprises. The platform with voice AI agents adapts across 12 Indian and 100+ global languages and dialects worldwide. This launch positions the company at the forefront of transformative voice-driven digital engagement and strengthens its AI-led growth trajectory.

With enterprise customers across the US, Ello introduces a new category of self-evolving conversational voice agents that continuously learn from every interaction, refining their understanding of intent, context, and resolution pathways in real time. Ello’s agents adapt autonomously, compounding in value.

Founded in 2008 by Sridhar Muppidi, Bharat Lingam, and four other co-founders, [x]cubeLABS has spent over 18 years delivering enterprise solutions powered by emerging technologies such as Generative AI, IoT, Blockchain, and AR/VR, establishing itself as a leader in digital transformation. Ello represents the latest milestone in the company’s broader product and AI innovation strategy, focused on solving high-impact enterprise challenges around customer resolution, retention, and operational efficiency.

Ello is indigenously built and engineered in India, forming a sovereign Voice AI infrastructure layer designed for enterprise-grade deployment across regulated industries. Purpose-built for regulated and high-scale environments, the platform goes beyond scripted automation and static bots by delivering measurable improvements in resolution accuracy, contextual continuity, and operational efficiency. The platform uniquely covers the entire Voice AI lifecycle end-to-end, from rapid onboarding of enterprise knowledge systems and rigorous evaluation to production deployment with ready-made integrations. Ello enables natural, human-like voice engagement across Banking and Financial Services, Telecom, Retail, Travel & Hospitality, Healthcare, and large contact centre ecosystems.

 Given the growth in AI and voice-led multilingual applications for India, Sridhar Muppidi, Co-Founder of [x]cubeLABS & Ello, says,

“Enterprise AI in regulated industries isn’t just about automation, it’s about reliability, contextual continuity, and measurable outcomes. We have solved some of the hardest problems around long-term memory, context persistence, and production-grade deployment at scale. Many AI systems are built to reduce human call volume. We build systems that actually resolve customer issues end-to-end”

Headquartered in the IT and tech city of Hyderabad, Ello (www.getello.ai) is building a strong global client base through its enterprise deployments. Having achieved 50% month-on-month growth in bookings over the last 2 quarters, it is now formally launching in India with capabilities built for local realities. The Indian conversational and voice AI market is witnessing increased enterprise demand with a market potential of approximately USD 2 billion over the next 5 years.

Ras Al Khaimah, UAE (February 13): The Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon will return for its 19th edition tomorrow (February 14), with four races held exclusively on Al Marjan Island and an exciting elite field brimming with international experience and promising potential.

Hosted by the Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA), the Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon has been a firm favourite since its launch in 2007, bringing together community runners and world-class elites alike.

Featuring the classic titular 21.1km half marathon race, the event will also offer races at 10km, 5km and 2km for athletes of all ages and abilities.

While three-time Half Marathon World Champion Geoffrey Kamworor of Kenya leads the male elite field with a personal best of 58:01, many of his elite rivals are well capable of edging out the 2013 RAK Half Marathon winner. Fellow Kenyan Isaia Lasoi – third in RAK in both 2024 and 2025 – has stated he wants to break the world record ‘soon’ and he returns with a personal best of 58:10.

The Kenyan duo will be joined on the start line by 2024 Seoul Marathon winner Jemal Yimer Mekonen (58:32) – who in seven years has only once finished outside the top three in a major race – former New Delhi Half Marathon winner Amedework Walelegn (58:40), and potential superstar 20 year-old Yismaw Dillu, winner of the 2025 Cardiff Half Marathon in Wales (59:23).

I won here 13 years ago so I have great memories of this fast course and I’d love to win again this weekend,” said Kamworor.

Leading the women’s field is Ethiopian Wede Kafale, whose appearance at the Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon will be only her second competition at the distance.

The 25 year-old produced a fine debut performance when she was third in Copenhagen last September with 65:21, although it was not a surprise since she has a good cross country background and achieved some fine results over 10k and 10,000m on the track.

Also in the field is Kenyan Gladys Chepkurui (65:46) who has focused on the half marathon over the past three years competing 18 times over the distance consistently producing strong results and winning in Italy, Thailand, Japan and Kenya. Her compatriot Jesca Chelangat (66:13) is another consistent top three finisher at 10km and was third in Ras Al Khaimah twelve months ago.

Should the race produce a surprise contender, it could well come in the shape of 19 year-old Melal Siyoum. The Ethiopian teenager has competed in just one race outside her home country, finishing runner-up in a highly-competitive at the New Delhi Half Marathon last October in 67:21. Since then, she has focused on training in Addis Ababa for her next outing and she could be ready to make an impact on one of the world’s fastest half marathon courses.

The elites get the event underway at 6.15am before the masses take on the half marathon challenge at 7.00am. The 10km Road Race will get begin at 8.30am before the 5km and 2km participants start at 10.00am.

The 2026 Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon is also sponsored by ASICS, Channel 4 Radio Network. ITP Media Group, Bisleri and Vitamin Well.