Denmark
Copenhagen Marathon 2027
Sunday 9 May 2027 · confirmed date
198 days to go
Key facts
- Race day
- Sunday 9 May 2027
- Confirmed by the organisers
- Start
- 09:30
- local time
- Course
- Flat · Loop
- Østre Allé, next to Fælledparken (Østerbro) to Østre Allé, next to Fælledparken (Østerbro)
- Course record, men
- 2:08:23
- Berhane Tsegay, 2022
- Course record, women
- 2:22:08
- Mercy Chebwogen, 2026
- Time limit
- 6h00
- First held
- 1980
The race
About the Copenhagen Marathon
The Copenhagen Marathon has been run since 1980 and is organised by the club Sparta Atletik & Løb. It is Denmark's biggest marathon: 22,424 runners started in 2026, the largest marathon field ever on Danish soil, and more than 80,000 applied for the 2027 lottery.
The course is a flat loop that tours the city's best-known districts, from the harbour bridges to Nyhavn and the royal quarter around Amalienborg. Both course records have fallen since 2022, the women's in 2026, which shows how fast it can be. With steady crowds and wide streets, it suits both PB attempts and a first marathon.
Course
The Copenhagen Marathon course
The race starts and finishes on Østre Allé beside Fælledparken in Østerbro. The early kilometres head toward the harbour, crossing Knippelsbro into Christianshavn and returning over Langebro around 10 km. Queen Louise's Bridge, near 14 km, is one of the loudest spectator spots, followed by Nørrebro.
The second half runs along tree-lined Frederiksberg Allé (around 24 km), past the Planetarium and Tivoli and through Istedgade in Vesterbro, then along the harbour by the Black Diamond. The last 10 km take in Kongens Nytorv, Nyhavn, Amalienborg and the Marble Church before the yellow houses of Nyboder and the return to Østre Allé. The course is flat throughout.
Race-day weather
Mid-May mornings in Copenhagen are usually around 10–15 °C and often dry, though wind can pick up near the harbour.
Train
Training for the Copenhagen Marathon 2027
28 weeks to go. A marathon plan runs 12 to 24 weeks and ends on race week. Here is when each one starts.
| Plan | Starts on |
|---|---|
| 24 weeks | Monday 23 November 2026 |
| 20 weeks | Monday 21 December 2026 |
| 16 weeks | Monday 18 January 2027 |
| 12 weeks | Monday 15 February 2027 |
For this course
Copenhagen is flat, so the race comes down to pacing and rhythm rather than hills. Build your long runs around sustained marathon-pace blocks on flat roads, and practise taking drinks at speed. Wind can be noticeable on the harbour sections, so get used to adjusting effort in a breeze. A mid-May race gives you a winter-to-spring block: lay the base over the dark months and save your sharpest sessions for April.
See the marathon pace chart or a sample sub-4 plan.
Print a pace band for the Copenhagen Marathon, with the race clock at every kilometre.
Entry
How to get a place
Start numbers are allocated by lottery, and demand is very high: more than 80,000 runners applied for the 2027 race. Runners must be at least 16 on race day.
2027 lottery From 13 May 2026 to 3 June 2026 · closed
Every marathon lottery date for 2027 → Which marathons have no lottery? →Organised by Sparta Atletik & Løb
Official websiteQuestions
Frequently asked
When is the Copenhagen Marathon 2027?
The Copenhagen Marathon 2027 is on Sunday 9 May 2027. The organisers have confirmed the date.
When should I start training for the Copenhagen Marathon?
Count back from race day: a 16-week plan for the 2027 edition starts on 18 January 2027, a 20-week plan on 21 December 2026. Most runners need 16 to 20 weeks; 12 is the shortest block worth doing.
How do I get a place in the Copenhagen Marathon?
Start numbers are allocated by lottery. Demand is very high, with more than 80,000 applicants for 2027.
What is the time limit for the Copenhagen Marathon?
Six hours net for the full distance, and you must reach the halfway point within three hours net.
Is the Copenhagen Marathon course flat?
Yes. It is a flat loop through the inner city, Østerbro, Christianshavn, Vesterbro, Nørrebro and Frederiksberg, which makes it a good course for a fast time.
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