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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 2020 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: May 17th, 2020
Start Time: 9:30 AM
Certified IAAF Road Race Bronze Label
The main running event in Copenhagen is naturally the classic 42.2 kilometres. 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 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.
Extras: There is a Mini Marathon for children on the 16th, which is around 1 or 2 km – adults are allowed to run with their children. On the 17th within the full marathon, there is a 1,000 m Teens Race starting and finishing, at the same place as the marathon.
Copenhagen Half Marathon
Date: September 13th, 2020
Start Time: 11:15 AM
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 organised 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
You Run Copenhagen
Date: April 26th, 2020
Start time: 9:30 AM onwards
The Copenhagen Running Races 2020 list would not be complete without a charity race. At You Run Copenhagen you can run 5 km, 10 km or a Half Marathon (21,1 km). You may choose the charity that you want to raise money for and then you run your race. It is a small and cosy race and rates very high on the ”feel good” scale.
The race is in the city centre of Copenhagen, being mainly along the waterfront. It is a circuit so if you are doing the Half Marathon, you will be doing the same route quite a few times.
The race starts and finishes by the Black Diamond in the centre of Copenhagen, so really it could not be easier to get to, and also it is quite the start area with clear views of the harbour and Castle Island.
Mikkeller Aftenløb (Mikkeller Evening Run)
Date: June 16th, 2020
Start time: 9:15 PM
Mikkeller Aftenløb is a fun and party-based 5 km run, done in connection with Copenhagen Athletics Game (European Classic Permit certified) – the biggest international athletics event in Denmark with many international athletes competing in many of the classic athletic disciplines. A spectator ticket to the games is included in the starting fee for the race.
The race itself is a fun based 5 km run starting in the stadium after the games, taking you to the park just by the stadium. After the race, there is entertainment by a live DJ, complementary BarbeQ and Mikkeller beer.
A great way to spend a Tuesday night in Copenhagen.
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: August 20th, 2020
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 2020, 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: December 31st, 2020
Start time: 9:35 AM and 11:05 AM
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 stones 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? 😉
Laid back 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.
COMPLETE GUIDE TO RUNNING IN IBIZA