Copenhagen Marathon
The Lowdown
The Copenhagen Marathon is Denmark’s largest marathon event and has become a fixture on the international running calendar, tracing its modern roots back several decades and flourishing into a major spring road race. Held in the heart of Copenhagen, the event attracts a mix of elite international athletes, serious age-group competitors seeking fast times, and recreational runners eager to experience the city. Over the years the race has grown in scope and organization, offering professional race services, large on-course support, and a festival-like expo in the days leading up to race day. The course is a scenic, largely flat loop that showcases Copenhagen’s most iconic sights and waterfront promenades. Runners pass through leafy Østerbro and Fælledparken, follow stretches along the harborfront and canals with views of Nyhavn and modern harbor architecture, and take in landmarks such as The Little Mermaid, Amalienborg and the city center before a lively finish near central Copenhagen. The flat profile, wide streets and typically cool May weather make the route popular for personal best attempts and qualifier hopefuls. The race atmosphere is upbeat and supportive, with local bands, cheering crowds and enthusiastic volunteers contributing to a festive Scandinavian vibe that’s welcoming to first-timers and experienced marathoners alike. The Copenhagen Marathon is AIMS-certified and recognized as a Boston Qualifier; it is also held to international competition standards with World Athletics labeling in place for elite athlete competition. Prices are in local currency, DKK.
Race Day
Weather Forecast
Elevation
Terrain Profile
Relatively flat course
Participants
Field Size
Large field
Crowd Rating
Spectator Support
Excellent spectator turnout
Boston Qualifier
This race is a certified Boston Marathon qualifying event. Achieve your qualifying standard here on a verified course.
Fælledparken
Large public park on Østerbro and traditional start area for the Copenhagen Marathon
The Lakes (Søerne)
Scenic series of lakes along the inner-city route, popular spectator sections with lakeside views
City Hall Square (Rådhuspladsen)
Central Copenhagen landmark and key midpoint area near the historic city core
Nyhavn
Iconic harbor lined with colorful 17th‑ and 18th‑century buildings that runners pass by
Amalienborg / The Royal Palace
The home of the Danish royal family; course runs near the palace and its courtyard
The Little Mermaid (Den Lille Havfrue)
Famous bronze statue on Langelinie, visible from parts of the coastal section
Christianshavn and Christiansborg area
Historic canals and the seat of the Danish Parliament encountered on the inner‑city loops
Other distances available during the event weekend:
Copenhagen, Denmark
DK
Average rate for 3-star accommodations near the start line
Eligibility
- Minimum age 18 years on race day (2026-05-10) to enter the full marathon
- Valid registration and payment completed before the registration deadline
- Start number and bib are personal and non-transferable
- Participants must agree to and comply with the race terms & conditions and event rules
- Runners must be physically fit to participate; medical clearance recommended for anyone with pre-existing conditions
- All participants must wear the issued race bib visibly for the entire race
- Participants must comply with race cut-off times (course cut-off 6 hours) and marshal/organiser instructions
- Anti-doping rules apply; entrants must accept potential drug testing and sanctions for violations
Required Documents
- Photo ID (passport or national ID)
- Registration confirmation (printed or digital)
- Signed liability waiver/consent form (if required)
Entry Methods
- Online Registration
- Charity Entry
- Tour Operator
- Running Club/Team Entry
- Corporate Entry
- Elite Invitation
Cancellation & Refund Policy
Registration is non-refundable (no cash refunds)
Bib transfer to another runner allowed until 30 days before race subject to a €20 administrative fee and organizer approval
Deferral to Copenhagen Marathon 2027 available until 30 days before race for a €25 deferral fee; deferrals subject to availability
If the organizer cancels the race for reasons outside participants' control, registrants will be offered a full refund or an automatic deferral to the 2027 race
The Copenhagen Marathon is known for its flat, fast course that takes runners past iconic city landmarks including Nyhavn, The Little Mermaid, Amalienborg and Tivoli Gardens, offering scenic urban views throughout the route.
All finishers receive a custom finisher medal and a technical race shirt, and the finish area provides post-race food and hot drinks with a dedicated recovery zone.
Race weekend includes an official race expo with packet pickup and exhibitors, a kids' run and community events in the days leading up to race day.
Aid stations are placed roughly every 4–5 km offering water, electrolyte drink and sponges, public transport is the easiest option for arrival and there is a secure bag-drop near the start/finish; expect short cobbled sections in the historic center so use caution.
Community
Stories, tips, and race-day snapshots from runners who have tackled this course.
Community Reviews
Learn from fellow runners and share insights that will help the next person toe the line.