Copenhagen Marathon

The Race

The Copenhagen Marathon is a single loop through the Danish capital, starting and finishing at Radhuspladsen (City Hall Square). The course takes in the Frederiksberg area, the waterfront canals of Christianshavn, the Nyhavn harbour front, the Osterbro and Norrebro residential neighbourhoods, and the long straight of the Amager coast road before the final kilometres back into the city centre.

Copenhagen is one of the flatter city marathon courses in Europe. The total elevation gain is approximately 90 metres over the full 42 km, with no significant climbs. The conditions in mid-May - typically 12-18°C with low humidity and long daylight hours - make this a strong option for runners targeting a personal best. Wind on the exposed Amager coastal section can be a factor; check the forecast.

Entry

The Copenhagen Marathon is open entry - no ballot. Register at copenhagenmarathon.dk when entries open. Places sell out; do not leave registration late. Copenhagen is an expensive city and the entry fee reflects that - budget accordingly for accommodation and meals.

Race Weekend

Expo and Number Collection

The race expo and number collection is typically held at the Bella Center in the Ørestad district, on Friday and Saturday before race Sunday. The Bella Center is accessible by Metro M1/M2 (Copenhagen Airport direction, Bella Center stop). Check the official website for current details; collection must be completed before race morning.

Getting to the Start

The start is at Radhuspladsen (City Hall Square) in the centre of Copenhagen. No race transport needed from central accommodation - most hotels in Indre By and Vesterbro are within easy walking distance. Copenhagen in mid-May has long evenings but cool mornings; a light layer for the pre-race wait is sensible.

The Course

The course starts and finishes at Radhuspladsen and loops through the city. The route is predominantly flat, taking in the harbour front, Frederiksberg, Oesterbro, and the city centre. Wind off the harbour can be a factor on exposed sections; check the forecast in the week before.

The Finish

The finish is back at Radhuspladsen, in the heart of the city. The Radisson Collection Royal Hotel - Arne Jacobsen's 1960 tower - sits directly on the square. Most central hotels are within walking distance of the finish; the Metro M2 from Kongens Nytorv to Copenhagen Airport takes approximately 15 minutes.

Where to Stay

The start and finish are both at Radhuspladsen in the centre of Copenhagen. Indre By (the old city) is the closest and most convenient base. Vesterbro, immediately west, has more mid-range hotels and a more local food scene; the walk to the start/finish is around 15 minutes. Book four to six months in advance - mid-May is the start of Copenhagen's tourist season, and marathon weekend fills central hotels.

See & Do

The finish at Radhuspladsen puts you at the centre of the city. Tivoli Gardens is immediately adjacent; the Strøget pedestrian axis runs east from the square. The harbour and Nyhavn are 15 minutes' walk.

Nyhavn

1.0km (0.6 miles) from the finish, at the eastern end of Strøget. The 17th-century canal with its coloured merchant houses is the defining image of Copenhagen. Hans Christian Andersen lived here at number 20 for several years. The canal-side restaurants serve smørrebrød at prices for tourists; the smaller streets behind have better options for less money. Flat throughout.

Christiansborg Palace

1.2km (0.7 miles) from the finish on Slotsholmen island. The Danish parliament, Supreme Court, and Royal Reception Rooms occupy the same building - an unusual constitutional arrangement that makes for an interesting tour. The tower is open to the public and has the best free view of central Copenhagen.

SMK (National Gallery of Denmark)

2.0km (1.2 miles) from the finish in the museum district around Øster Voldgade. Danish Golden Age paintings and European masters. Free admission for the permanent collection. Adjacent to the Botanical Garden, which is flat and good for slow recovery walking in May.

Freetown Christiania

1.5km (0.9 miles) from the finish on the south island. The self-declared autonomous community established in 1971 on a former military base: gardens, workshop buildings, music venues, and the famous Pusher Street. The main area is flat; access is free. Controversial but undeniably specific to Copenhagen.

After the Race

The Copenhagen Marathon runs in mid-May. The city is past its winter season, the evenings are long (daylight until after 21:00), and the DSB rail network connects to the rest of Denmark and southern Sweden in under an hour. The excursions below are all accessible by train or Metro from the city centre.