Running the Copenhagen Half Marathon
The Copenhagen Half Marathon is a world record course, attracting thousands of runners from across the globe every year.
This year will be my third year participating, so I thought I’d put together a little guide to taking part.
A run like no other
It’s a fantastic race to take part in for a number of reasons:
1. Firstly, for a culture fan like me, it’s an amazing way to see the centre of Copenhagen like you’ll never get to see it any other day of the year. The streets are empty of cars and you can see the sights and sounds of the capital at your own pace, with people cheering and clapping you while you do so!
2. The course is incredibly flat. There are virtually no hills which, if you are anything like me when it comes to running, is a real blessing. If you are a professional runner it also means you can set record times.
3. The whole day is fantastically organised and entertaining for participants, from in-race music and live bands to post-race food and photos.
About the Copenhagen Half Marathon
The event holds a World Athletics Elite Label half marathon and is a world record course, meaning it attracts top athletes as well as wheezing amateurs like myself.
It’s perfect for anyone looking for a first running event experience, or a veteran who wants an amazing city backdrop for their latest run.
Demographics
Here are a few facts about the race:
27.5% foreign participants
115 nationalities
Gender distribution: 61% men, 39% women
Largest age group 25-29 yrs followed by the year groups from 30 – 49
Average age is 38 years.
All data from Cphhalf.dk
Signing up and getting ready
Entry for the Copenhagen half marathon is always open to everyone - unless you are an elite runner of course.
They do put a limit of 3 hours max on course completion time, but I think that shouldn’t be an issue for most runners reading this!
Note that it is a good idea to sign up well in advance, as prices rise from 525 danish kroner (71 euros) to 575 danish kroner (78 euros) about a month before the start date.
Once you are signed up, you can join a Nike+ running club for motivation, and join group training on the 7 Sundays prior to the race.
The CPH Half Expo
Leading up to the race, a three-day expo is held in Sparta Hallen (very close to the start location in Fælledparken). Here you can collect your ‘race packet’ with bib number, t-shirt and a baggage bag. There are also a bunch of stalls selling everything a runner could ever possibly need - and plenty of things they definitely won’t need! To be fair though, it is a good place to get kitted up for the run if you use energy gels or other products mid-race.
Running the Copenhagen Half Marathon
The Copenhagen Half course
The route of the run starts and finishes on Øster Allé, beside the FCK stadium, Parken. From there, runners get a beautiful run beside the lakes before heading into Nørrebro, Frederiksberg and into my neck of the woods around Vesterbro. From there it’s a northward route slap bang through the middle of the city, passing Christiansborg, Kongens Nytorv and running around the edge of Kastellet, just as the first day of the Tour de France 2022 did.
From there its a loop around Østerbro and then back around to the start at Fælledparken. It’s a really great route that gives you a lot to see as you are running. As I mentioned above, there are also loads of spots with live bands and DJs around the route, as well as plenty of hydration and recharge points. You can check out the full interactive map here.
On the day
When you arrive at Fælledparken in the morning it might seem a bit manic. There will be around 25 000 runners plus all the volunteers and audience crowding into one place. But once you’ve found the pace setters for your predicted time (indicated by balloons stating their running time) you can join the crowd anywhere in that general area. There are also plenty of baggage storage areas if you have that with you, as well as the usual food, drink, first aid and information tents.
If you download the cphhalf app, your friends and family will be able to track your, and others, progress throughout the course, and you’ll be able to use it after copmletion of the race to see photos and videos of yourself at various stages of exhaustion!
There isn’t much more for me to say on this fantastic race. I seriously recommend it to any runner, no matter their level. If you are weighing up taking part in the Copenhagen Half marathon this year, I’ll finish by telling you to take the plunge and sign up today - you won’t regret it!
Interesting in learning more about Scandiculture?
I write guides and articles about cultural sights, attractions and locations of Scandinavia.
Get a taster from my guide to wild swimming in and around Copenhagen, or check out what you should see in Denmark’s second city: Aarhus.
