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The Copenhagen Marathon, part of the European Marathon Classics series, has opened a lottery-based entry system for its 2027 edition, replacing the traditional first-come, first-served registration model after years of rapidly growing demand. The new approach is designed to give all runners a fair and equal chance of securing a place in the race.

From sell-out rush to a new system

Interest in the Copenhagen race has surged in recent years, with entries for the 2026 edition selling out in just 23 hours. The scale of demand has prompted organizers to rethink the registration process.

Instead of requiring runners to register at a specific moment, the new system will allow a three-week window to enter a lottery, designed to provide a more balanced and accessible process for participants worldwide.

Key details of the 2027 lottery:

• Entries will be allocated via lottery
• Participation in the lottery is free
• Registration period: May 13 – June 3
• One entry per person
• Group applications allowed (up to three runners)
• Selected runners will be notified by email
• 48 hours to confirm and complete payment
• Entries will be personal and non-transferable

Option to apply as a group

Participants can enter the lottery individually or as part of a group of up to three people. In the case of group applications, all members will either secure a place together or not at all.

Changes to resale and participation rules

The shift to a lottery system also means the end of the resale platform previously used for buying and selling race entries. With bibs becoming strictly personal and non-transferable, resale is no longer possible.

Instead, runners will have the option to purchase insurance during registration. The policy, priced at 99 DKK (approx. €13.25), covers situations in which a participant is unable to start the race.

The Copenhagen Marathon 2027 is scheduled for May 9, 2027.