THE ROAD TO COPENHAGEN

Denmark has a strong tradition of running events that bring together both elite runners and recreational runners, uniting them around the sport. Running has become a central part of the Danish active lifestyle. It is not only a sport but also a social and cultural activity that connects people across ages and backgrounds.

The Danish running scene is characterized by its ability to create innovative and well-organized events that attract both local participants, national and international runners. Events like the Copenhagen Half Marathon with 30,000 participants and the historic Copenhagen Marathon with now 20,000 participants have particularly established Copenhagen as a strong international player in running events.

In 2014, Copenhagen hosted the World Half Marathon Championships, which was an enormous success, with over 30,000 runners from around the world. The event was praised for its organization, atmosphere, and ability to engage both elite athletes and recreational runners. The success of this World Championship has cemented Denmark’s reputation as a top-tier host nation for major sporting events.

With the World Athletics Road Running Championships in 2026, the world’s best runners, along with 65,000 other enthusiastic participants, will return to Copenhagen for another major running event. It is expected to attract 65,000 participants from all over the world, creating a unique platform to showcase Denmark as an innovative, sustainable, and runningenthusiastic nation. The event will also strengthen local running communities and contribute to the broader tourism and cultural sectors.

This event provides Denmark with an exceptional opportunity to celebrate and further develop its running culture and to highlight values such as active lifestyle, inclusion, and environmental friendliness. With an experienced organizational background, an engaged local community, and a passionate group of runners, Denmark is ready to deliver an unforgettable World Championship in 2026.