Copenhagen, Capital Region of Denmark, Denmark
The Copenhagen Marathon is one of the world's largest marathons, drawing approximately 12k finishers on an urban road in Copenhagen, Denmark. The course starts and finishes at Islands Brygge. The route passes the Little Mermaid, Nyhavn, Amalienborg Palace, and Frederiksberg. Very flat with only minor bridge gradients over canals.
Copenhagen Marathon is a certified 42.195 km (26.2 mile) marathon — the standard World Athletics marathon distance.
The next Copenhagen Marathon is scheduled for Sunday, 16 May 2027 with a 9:30 am start. The certified course covers 42.195 km (26.2 miles) with 15 m of climbing on a very flat layout.
The Copenhagen Marathon is a very flat loop starting and finishing at Islands Brygge, touring the harbour and city past the Little Mermaid, Nyhavn, Amalienborg Palace, and Frederiksberg. Only minor canal-bridge gradients break the rhythm, and spectators line Islands Brygge, Nyhavn, and the harbourfront.
Official course map — view on race website
The Copenhagen Marathon course is very flat over 42.195 km (26.2 miles). Runners cover 15 metres of climbing and 15 metres of descent, with minimal net elevation change from start to finish.
Registration is first-come, first-served via copenhagenmarathon.dk. The race attracts a strong international field and can sell out quickly, so register as soon as sign-ups open.
Race-day footage from the course to help you picture the route, crowds, and key landmarks on marathon day.
Last updated 18 July 2026. Edition dates and course details are reviewed regularly.
Other races closest to Copenhagen.
The Malmö Marathon attracts approximately 1,500 finishers each October through Sweden's third-largest city linked to Copenhagen by the Öresund Bridge. The course passes the Turning Torso skyscraper, Ribersborg beach, and the Malmöhus Castle on flat Skåne terrain. October's mild southern Swedish autumn and the Öresund views make it Scandinavia's most international city marathon.
Next race: Sunday, 25 October 2026
The Helsingborg Marathon draws about 2,200 finishers each September along Sweden's Öresund coast opposite Denmark. The course passes Kärnan tower, the harbour, and the coastal roads with views across to Helsingør. September Baltic weather and rolling seaside terrain define this southern Swedish marathon.
Next race: Sunday, 6 September 2026
The H.C. Andersen Marathon in Odense draws about 2,800 finishers each September through the fairy-tale author's hometown on Funen. The course passes the H.C. Andersen Museum, the Odense River, and the historic old town on flat Danish terrain. September autumn weather and literary heritage make it Denmark's signature marathon.
Next race: Sunday, 20 September 2026
The Rostock Marathon draws approximately 1,500 finishers each May through the Hanseatic port city on the Baltic Sea. The course passes the St. Mary's Church, the Warnemünde beach resort, and the harbour channel on flat northern German coastal terrain. May's Baltic spring and the seaside finish make it Mecklenburg-Vorpommern's premier marathon.
Next race: Sunday, 23 May 2027
The Kiel Marathon draws approximately 1,200 finishers each September through Germany's sailing city on the Baltic Sea. The course passes the Kiel Fjord (Kieler Förde), the Kiellinie sailing promenade, and the naval harbour on flat Schleswig-Holstein coastal terrain. September's Baltic late summer and the windjammer atmosphere make it northern Germany's premier seaside marathon.
Next race: Sunday, 27 September 2026
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