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Copenhagen has many running races throughout the year (primarily during spring and summer) with the Copenhagen Marathon and Copenhagen Half Marathon being the biggest. Copenhagen Running Races 2023 is a list of our favourite running races in Copenhagen this year.
During our running tours our guests often ask about the Copenhagen Marathon and also the Copenhagen Half Marathon, so we thought we would compile the list below as a help.
Main Copenhagen Running Races
Telenor Copenhagen Marathon
Date: 14 May 2023
Certified IAAF Road Race Bronze Label
The main running event in Copenhagen is naturally the classic 42.2 kilometers. Telenor Copenhagen Marathon is a running party and many of our regular Copenhagen runners run this race every single year, simply because it has a fantastic atmosphere and the fact that Copenhagen is still a somewhat small city, meaning that you’re often high fiving your way through the Copenhagen streets because so many of your friends, relatives, and acquaintances are out to watch the race.
The guides of Go! Running Tours Copenhagen are frequent runners of the Telenor Copenhagen Marathon. Henrik is usually an official pacesetter, and Signe is also there every year running in the orange t-shirt. Anna has run the race a few times, and maybe this year even Lena will have the time to do the 42.195 km. I will probably be too busy running with you guys showing off the sights of Copenhagen instead 😊
It is organized by Sparta, which is the biggest running club in Denmark and a club that is über professional and has great guys to work with. We have for many years been promoting our running tours on the Telenor Copenhagen Marathon expo and know first-hand, that the Sparta crew is one of a kind. And don’t forget – the proceeds from the marathon go towards the running club and especially the youth runners. That alone is a good enough reason enough to buy a race entry.
Copenhagen Half Marathon
Date: 17 September 2023
Certified IAAF Road Race Gold Label
The Copenhagen Half Marathon is considered the fastest half marathon route in the world. Since it started in 2014, a consistent host of the very best runners in the world come to Copenhagen each year, to try to set a world record or a new personal best. This race is your chance to run in the same race as the super-elite.
In only 5 years the Copenhagen Half Marathon has become just about as popular as the standard Copenhagen Marathon, with thousands of locals cheering along the route along with music and entertainment power stations, etc. It’s a route that takes you through all the suburbs of Copenhagen and if you are a tourist this is a great way to check out the different parts of the city – if you can see them through the crowds, balloons, and the confetti.
It has become a Copenhagen classic in only 5 years. I have run it myself the past 3 years with a new PB every time 😊.
The Copenhagen Half Marathon is organized by Sparta and DAF.
If you’re up for it, run a half marathon with a private guide that is designed for you in terms of pace, route, etc;
Smaller and Club Copenhagen Running Races
Christiania Run
Date: Various
The Christiania Run is a great way to explore the “other side” of Copenhagen – Christiania Freetown, known for its open cannabis trade, self-governance, art, and architecture. The run can be booked at any time with a private guide, the best way to discover the secrets of this part of the city.
Cracey
Date: TBA
Start time: 6:00 PM
Cracey is hilarious. It is an obstacle race at Amager Strand, where you have to run with a big inflatable beach toy. It can be a crocodile, a shark, etc. The race has taken place for 6 years now and it is growing every year, with runners and beach toy handlers of all levels.
On the list of Copenhagen running races 2023, this, by all means, deserves a place for its novelty!
Note: You must be able to swim 100m (with your inflatable toy) to participate.
Änglamark Nytårsløb (New Years Run)
Date: TBA 2023
Start time:
Änglamark Nytårsløb is very popular with the local running crowd in Copenhagen. Runners meet, run but more importantly end the race with champagne and ”kransekage”. I promise you that you will see very few tourists at this race and it will give you a chance to run a true local race.
You can run 5 km, 10 km, or a Half Marathon (21.1 km) on the day, and you are welcome to dress up for the occasion – there are even prizes for best costumes…. Also, there is a 2 km run for the children.
The race takes place in Østerbro and starts and finishes at Gunnar Nu Hansens Plads which is also the home turf of Sparta, which as mentioned earlier in this post is the biggest (and probably the nicest) running club in Copenhagen.
For the local Copenhagen runners, it is a great way to say Happy New Year to your running friends and also simply just a nice way to end the year. And then you are of course all set for an evening of festivities.
For more information on running in Copenhagen, check out our complete guide to running in the city. In case the above races are not of interest to you and you would prefer running alone with a local runner while enjoying the city, then check out our running tours and we will be happy to guide you on one of our tours.
Happy running,
Kim
OUR RECOMMENDED HOTELS IN COPENHAGEN
If you are a sucker for Danish design, this 5-star hotel in downtown Copenhagen is for you. It is only minutes from must-see attractions such as the City Hall, Tivoli Gardens, and the bustling shopping street strøget. The hotel has just undergone a massive renovation so expect design and luxury at the highest level.
Location, location, location! Elegant, boutique hotel with beautiful rooftop garden only 200m from Nyhavn. It’s owned by the former Royal Danish ballet dancer Alexander Kølpin and is less than a stone’s throw from the Royal Theatre. Despite its location, it is on a quiet street, which is important for us runners – we need our sleep, right? 😉
Laidback luxury in the heart of Copenhagen’s old Latin quarter. It is perfectly located within the old part of Copenhagen with the Round Tower just around the corner. It has a pleasant bar and a nice roof terrace.
SOME OF OUR RUNS IN COPENHAGEN
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PERTH RUNNING RACES 2023