Experience
the race
The beautiful course. The amazing crowd. The historic city. It’s hard to put your finger on one single thing that makes the Copenhagen Marathon so special.
All we know is this: once you’ve tried it, you’ll want to come back and do it all over again – because you are a runner.
KEY FIGURES & STATISTICS
Number of countries represented
104
Number of participants
25000
Fun facts / statistics:
- The Copenhagen Marathon logo shows legs running
- The Copenhagen Marathon has a Resale Platform where runners can buy and sell bibs for the race
Weather conditions
Average temperature
Average daytime highs are around 16°C with nighttime lows around 7-9°C.
Average wind speed
Winds are generally light to moderate, though they can still feel cool coming off the Baltic Sea.
Average rainfall
Roughly 40mm of precipitation occurs throughout the month, typically spread over 11 days.
Weather conditions
May is characterized by increasing warmth, 16 hours of daylight, and 8 hours of sunshine, with a moderate UV index.
Course Description
The flat course is like a sightseeing tour in running shoes. You will pass some of Copenhagen’s most iconic landmarks like Tivoli, Nyhavn, the Marble Church, Rosenborg Castle, and the Royal Theater. Run along the lakes and over the bridges that spans the harbour. The course takes you all over Copenhagen and if you have brought friends or family they can use the Metro to follow you around town and cheer you on.
Tourism & Destination Highlights
At the Copenhagen Marathon we don’t just want you to sign up. We want you to finish – and so does the city. That’s why we’ve placed 11 refreshment zones and more than 25 power zones, bands and DJs along the course to keep your energy level high. On top of that you get outstanding support from the many spectators. They’ve spent over 45 years cheering marathon runners, so don’t be surprised if you have to cover your ears along the way.
Race week
Once we enter race week you can feel the vibe of the marathon in the city. Meet your fellow runners at the huge expo and share a few kilometers with them at one of the many shake out runs. On Race Day everyone is welcome in the Runners Area next to the start and finish. Here you can eat, drink and relax – and get a picture taken with your medal after the race.
Event History
Since 1980, the Copenhagen Marathon has drawn runners from all over the world to Denmark’s historic capital. In the first year, the entry list consisted of 995 participants (948 men and 47 women), most of them locals. But as word of the race spread, the number of runners kept growing – culminating so far with the Copenhagen Marathon 2026 that sold out in just 23 hours with 25.000 runners from 104 nations.
Race Director’s Quote
Dorte Vibjerg, CEO at Sparta Athletics & Running
"At Copenhagen Marathon, we are proud to be part of the European Marathon Classics. It places us alongside some of Europe’s strongest marathons, where we can exchange experiences. This will undoubtedly mean that participants can look forward to races with even more energy, quality, and atmosphere – not just in Copenhagen, but also with our friends across Europe."
Transport & race tips
Copenhagen is a historic capital with connections to the entire world. Its modern airport offers flights from across the globe and is just 10 minutes from the city centre by Metro. You can also use one of the many international train connections and arrive fresh and well-rested at Copenhagen Central Station, right in the heart of the city.
And getting around
Getting around Copenhagen is fast, simple, and safe. Hop on a bus, train, or Metro, and you’ll reach the city’s sights quickly and easily. You can save money by using the special event tickets available for participants and their supporters — or do as the locals do and take one of the many electric rental bikes.
You cannot pick up your race bib on race day. You must collect your race bib at the Copenhagen Marathon Expo.
The race is started by the starting gun, after which the seeded elite and then the other participants cross the starting line.
The start takes about 35 minutes. To ensure the best possible start and race experience for all participants, please make sure to start in the correct start group.
The participant’s official time is a net time where the time starts when the runner crosses the start line. There is a cut off time at 6 hours net for the entire distance and 3 hours net at the half marathon mark.
Ways to get involved
REGISTRATION
CHarity ENTRY
Tour operator
looking for more details about the race?
Race Website
Media gallery
Photos
