Copenhagen Half Marathon 2027: Guide to One of the World’s Fastest Half Marathons

Copenhagen Half Marathon is where half marathon world records happen. Geoffrey Kamworor ran a world record 58:01 here in 2019, and in 2026 the city hosted the World Athletics Road Running Championships, where Agnes Ngetich set a women-only world record of 1:05:15. But CPH Half isn’t only fast for elites — it’s one of the best places in the world for amateurs to run a PB too.

In 2026, around 35,000 runners took on the half marathon, and roughly 4,000 of them finished under 1:30. For 2027, the regular CPH Half returns on Sunday 19 September 2027, with 45,000 places — the largest edition yet.

Here’s everything you need to know about racing Copenhagen in 2027.

Copenhagen Half Marathon 2027: Race Overview

Race Date: Sunday 19 September 2027
Start: Jagtvej, 9:30am
Finish: Fælledparken
Course: Very flat, fast city loop through Østerbro, the Inner City, Vesterbro, Frederiksberg and Nørrebro
Field: 45,000 places in 2027 (around 35,000 half marathon runners in 2026)
Entry Fee: DKK 795 plus a 5% administration fee
Course Records: Geoffrey Kamworor 58:01 (2019, a world record at the time); Margaret Kipkemboi 1:05:11 (2024)
Series: SuperHalfs
Label: World Athletics Gold Label
Organiser: Sparta Atletik & Løb

Why Copenhagen Is So Fast

The Numbers

Around 4,000 of the roughly 35,000 half marathon runners in 2026 finished under 1:30 — more than one in ten. That’s a remarkable density of fast times for a race this size, and it reflects both the course and the field it attracts.

The Course

The route is very flat, with wide roads and long straights. There are no significant hills, and the start and finish are close together, so there’s no net loss to elevation over the course.

The Weather

Mid-September in Copenhagen is usually cool and settled — near-perfect half marathon conditions. Warm or windy days are possible, but the odds favour a good racing day.

The Crowds

Copenhagen turns out for this race. Bands, DJs and “Power Zones” with loud music and big crowds line the course, giving you an extra lift exactly when you need it.

How to Get In

Copenhagen’s popularity has exploded. The 2027 lottery ran from 16 to 30 September 2026 and drew 188,522 entries for 45,000 places — more than four applicants for every bib. The draw was completed on 9 October 2026, and drawn runners were emailed and given a deadline to buy their entry.

If you didn’t get a place, there are only a few options left:

• Elite B and Elite C entries: Available to runners who meet qualifying standards based on verified results. The standards and registration details are due to be announced later.
• Tour operators: Official travel partners may offer packages with race entry.

Note that entries are personal: they cannot be transferred, sold or given to another runner, and there’s no resale platform for 2027. If you have a place, optional refund protection can be added at registration.

The Course

The race starts on Jagtvej and finishes in Fælledparken, the large park in Østerbro.

Østerbro and the Inner City

The early kilometres take you from Østerbro into the historic Inner City, past landmarks including Kongens Nytorv and the Old Stock Exchange. The field is huge, so expect a busy start — start groups are based on your expected finish time, which helps.

The Waterfront and Vesterbro

The course passes the Black Diamond, the Royal Library’s striking waterfront building, before heading into Vesterbro. This is where you should settle into goal pace.

Frederiksberg

Frederiksberg Allé, with its tree-lined avenue, is one of the most beautiful stretches of the race. The crowds here are usually strong.

The Lakes and Nørrebro

The route passes Copenhagen’s lakes and runs through Nørrebro before heading back toward Fælledparken for the finish. If you’ve paced well, this is where you can push.

Refreshment Zones

There are five official refreshment zones, each with water and High5 energy drink, plus cold showers, toilets, Vaseline and medical teams. Drinks are on both sides of the road, with signs 100 metres before each zone.

Racing Copenhagen Well

1. Start in the Right Group

Your start group is based on your expected finish time. Be honest when you enter it — starting too far back means weaving, and starting too far forward means being swept out too fast.

2. Be Patient in the First 3km

With 45,000 runners, the opening kilometres will be crowded. Don’t weave; let the field spread out.

3. Pace Evenly

On a course this flat, even pacing is the fastest way to run. Go through 10km close to target, then build if you feel good.

4. Use the Refreshment Zones

Drink a little at each zone, even if you don’t feel thirsty, especially on a warm day. Use the cold showers if it’s hot.

5. Use the Power Zones

The crowd and music zones are a huge boost. Use them to lift your effort, but don’t let them push you into surges that cost you later.

How to Prepare

Training Plan

For a 19 September race, a 10-12 week half marathon block starts in early July — so you’ll train through the summer.

• Long runs: Build to 18-22km, with goal-pace segments in the later runs
• Threshold sessions: One tempo or threshold session each week
• Speed: Shorter intervals early in the block
• Heat: Run early in the morning in summer, and don’t worry if your pace is slower in the heat

Breaking 1:30

If you’re aiming to join the 4,000-plus runners who break 1:30, you’ll need to average about 4:16 per kilometre. Build your goal-pace sessions around that number, and practise holding it for 10-15km in training.

Clash Watch

The Great North Run is on 12 September 2027, a week before Copenhagen, and the Berlin Marathon is on 26 September, a week after. If you’re doing Berlin, Copenhagen is too close to race hard — but it can work as a controlled long run for experienced marathoners.

Race Weekend Logistics

• Book accommodation early: With 45,000 runners and their supporters, Copenhagen fills up fast.
• Getting around: Copenhagen’s metro, trains and buses are excellent, and the city is easy to get around by bike.
• Getting there: Copenhagen Airport is a short metro ride from the city centre.
• After the race: The Runners Area in Fælledparken has post-race facilities and space to meet friends and family.

After the Race

Keep moving, drink and eat, then take a few easy days before returning to training.

Log It While It’s Fresh

Write down your time, splits, the weather, how crowded the start was and how you felt in the final 5km. If Copenhagen is part of your SuperHalfs quest, record it alongside your other SuperHalfs results.

Is Copenhagen Right for You?

It’s Great If You:

• Want one of the fastest half marathon courses in the world
• Are chasing sub-1:30 or another big goal
• Love big-race atmosphere
• Are collecting SuperHalfs

Consider Other Options If You:

• Didn’t get a place in the lottery and don’t qualify for elite entry
• Prefer smaller, quieter races
• Are racing the Berlin Marathon a week later

Final Thoughts: Copenhagen Half Marathon 2027

Copenhagen is a world-record course that also delivers for everyday runners: flat, fast, cool and loud. More than one in ten finishers broke 1:30 in 2026, and with 45,000 runners in 2027, it will be bigger than ever.

If you have a place, train through the summer, start in the right group, pace evenly, and make the most of the crowds. If you missed out, keep an eye on the elite entry standards and the 2028 lottery.

Running Copenhagen in 2027, or have you raced it before? Share your experience on Instagram or Threads!