How do I enter the Copenhagen Marathon?

Entry is through a lottery system. Registration opens for a three-week window, and all applicants have an equal chance of selection regardless of when they register during that period. If selected, you'll need to complete payment to secure your bib.

When does registration open for the 2027 race?

The entry window opens on May 13, 2026, and closes on June 3, 2026. All registrations during that window have equal lottery odds, so there's no advantage to signing up on day one.

Is the Copenhagen Marathon a Boston qualifier?

Yes, the Copenhagen Marathon is a Boston qualifier. The flat course means it's a genuinely realistic shot at hitting your qualifying standard if you're in shape.

What is the elevation profile like?

The course is very flat with essentially no net elevation change. The highest point is only around 138 feet above sea level, so there are no significant climbs to worry about. It's one of the more honest fast courses you'll find.

How big is the field?

The race has a cap of around 25,000 runners, making it a large event with good crowd support throughout the course.

What is the typical race-day weather?

May in Copenhagen tends to be cool, with average temperatures in the mid-40s at the start and rising into the upper 50s by midday. It can be variable, so check the forecast in the days before and be ready to adjust your layers.

Sun, May 9 · 2027CopenhagenSince 1980

Copenhagen Marathon

Copenhagen's flat loop course runs past harbors, parks, and some of the city's most recognizable streets, making it a genuine shot at a fast time in a city that knows how to throw a party.

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COPENHAGEN · DK

Copenhagen

SUN, MAY 9

2027

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Race Overview

EST. 1980

Copenhagen is one of those spring marathons that earns its reputation quietly. The course is a loop through the city, mostly flat, running past the harbor, through parks, and along wide streets with solid crowd support throughout. The whole thing feels organized and calm, which is exactly what you want when you're trying to race. And the city is genuinely beautiful to run through, though you'll be too focused to notice much past mile 20.

The course is legitimately fast. There's almost no net elevation, so if you've put in the work, this is a real shot at a personal best. The conditions in May tend to be cool enough to race hard, though the weather can be a bit unpredictable, so don't overdress for the corral. Entry is through a lottery with a short registration window, so mark the date and don't miss it. If you get in, show up ready to race. This one rewards it.

Field size

~25k

25,000 finishers

BQ rate

—

Boston qualifier

Time limit

6:00

Tight cutoff

Entry

Open

First-come registration

Course records

Men

2:08:23

Berhane Tsegay

2022

Women

2:23:14

Rodah Chepkorir Tanui

2023

The Course

Total ascent

—

Total descent

—

Net elevation

—

Highest point

138 ft

Lowest point

13 ft

Course shape

Loop

Start and finish in one place

Copenhagen runs as a loop through the city, keeping elevation gain modest and spread out over the full distance. The highest point barely clears 138 feet, and the course stays low throughout, which means no single climb demands much attention. What gain there is tends to be gradual rather than punchy. The flat profile makes pacing straightforward, though wind off the Øresund can be a factor, particularly on exposed harbour and waterfront sections. Turns through city streets require some adjustment, but nothing technical. For runners chasing a personal best, the course is cooperative, provided you manage wind exposure and resist going out too fast on the open early miles.

View official course map Download GPX Past results

Race-Day Weather

10-year median

Low

44°F

High

58°F

30°MARATHON-IDEAL 45–60°80°

What to expect

May in Copenhagen tends to be cool and variable. You'll likely start in the low-to-mid 40s, which feels crisp but comfortable once you're moving. By the later miles it warms into the upper 50s, so dress in layers you can shed. The bigger wildcard is wind off the water. Copenhagen is flat and open in stretches, and a headwind on the back half can quietly drain you. Check the forecast the day before and don't overdress for the gun.

Entry

OPEN

Entry is allocated through a lottery system. Runners register during a 3-week window with equal chances of selection regardless of registration timing. Selected runners must complete payment to secure their bib.

Register on race site

Logistics

For runners travelling in

Closest airport

CPH

5 mi

from the start

≈ 10 min transferOn the doorstep

What to expect

Most travelling runners fly into CPH, about 5 miles from the start, right on the doorstep by rideshare or transit, roughly a 10-minute trip. Stay close to the start in Copenhagen so you're not fighting race-morning closures and transit on tired legs. Arrive a day early to clear the expo and bib pickup, and build in buffer for gear-check and corral entry.