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Start groups and pace teams
at the half marathon
Race: Half marathon
Date: 20 September
How the start works
It is important to us that you get a good start to your race. That is why runners in the half marathon are sent off in groups, also known as waves. This helps reduce congestion on the course, improve safety and ensure a smooth start for everyone.
The start groups are positioned in colour-coded blocks in the start area. Each group moves towards the start line together when it is their turn. Water and toilets are available in the start area.
Important
The start groups are sent off at different times over an extended period. We recommend that you are in your start group 10–15 minutes before your group moves towards the start line. If you arrive too early, you will simply be standing around, getting cold and stiff while you wait.
In the table below, you can see the latest time you should be in your start group.
Your start group
Your start group is based on the estimated finish time you entered when registering for the race. It is shown on your bib (colour and letter), and you can also find it in the participant information emails we have sent you.
To find your start group, simply follow the signs throughout the Runners Area.
See where your start group is located and how to get there on the map.
View the mapGetting to the start
When getting around Copenhagen, we recommend doing as the locals do: take the Metro or ride a bike.
3 steps to a good start
- Find your start group in good time, preferably 10–15 minutes before your group is due to move towards the start line.
- Position yourself with your pace team in your start group.
- Follow your group towards the start line.
And remember: Your time does not start until you cross the start line, so simply move calmly with your group and enjoy the World Championship atmosphere.
| Start group | Balloon colour | Latest arrival in group | Expected start time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Elite Women | 09:10:00 | ||
| Elite men | 09:45:00 | ||
| 1:06–1:12 | 09:45:00 | ||
| 1:12–1:16 | 🟡 Yellow | 09.30.00 | 09.46.00 |
| 1:16–1:25 | 🔵 Blue | 09.30.00 | 09.47.00 |
| 1:25–1:30 | 🟣 Purple | 09.35.00 | 09.53.00 |
| 1:30–1:40 | 🟠 Orange | 09.50.00 | 10.07.00 |
| 1:40–1:50 | ⚪ Grey | 10.10.00 | 10.28.00 |
| 1:50–2:00 | 🟢 Green | 10.40.00 | 10.56.00 |
| 2:00–2:15 | 🔴 Red | 11.15.00 | 11.31.00 |
| Over 2:15 | ⚫ Black | 11.35.00 | 11.53.00 |
Pace teams
On race day, our pacers will be ready to help you hit your target time. You can spot them in your start group by their coloured balloons, with the pace team's target finish time printed on them.
The pacers are experienced runners who maintain a steady pace throughout the race and will guide you around the course.
You don't need to sign up for a specific pace team in advance. Simply position yourself behind the balloon that matches your target finish time.
Below, you can see all the pace teams you can join for the half marathon at WRRC Copenhagen 26.
| Pace teams | Balloon colour | Latest arrival in group | Expected start time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Elite Women | No balloon | 09.10.00 | |
| Elite men | No balloon | 09.45.00 | |
| Elite B+C | No balloon | 09.46.00 | |
| 🟡 group. No balloon | 09.30.00 | 09.47.00 | |
| 🔵 group. No balloon | 09.30.00 | 09.48.00 | |
| 01:25 | 🟣 Purple | 09.35.00 | 09.53.00 |
| 01:25 | 🟣 Purple | 09.35.00 | 09.53.00 |
| 01:30 | 🟠 Orange | 09.50.00 | 10.07.00 |
| 01:30 | 🟠 Orange | 09.50.00 | 10.07.00 |
| 01:35 | 🟠 Orange | 09.50.00 | 10.07.00 |
| 01:35 | 🟠 Orange | 09.50.00 | 10.07.00 |
| 01:40 | ⚪ Grey | 10.10.00 | 10.28.00 |
| 01:40 | ⚪ Grey | 10.10.00 | 10.28.00 |
| 01:45 | ⚪ Grey | 10.10.00 | 10.28.00 |
| 01:45 | ⚪ Grey | 10.10.00 | 10.28.00 |
| 01:50 | 🟢 Green | 10.40.00 | 10.56.00 |
| 01:50 | 🟢 Green | 10.40.00 | 10.56.00 |
| 01:55 | 🟢 Green | 10.40.00 | 10.56.00 |
| 01:55 | 🟢 Green | 10.40.00 | 10.56.00 |
| 02:00 | 🔴 Red | 11.15.00 | 11.31.00 |
| 02:00 | 🔴 Red | 11.15.00 | 11.31.00 |
| 02:05 | 🔴 Red | 11.15.00 | 11.31.00 |
| 02:05 | 🔴 Red | 11.15.00 | 11.31.00 |
| 02:10 | 🔴 Red | 11.15.00 | 11.31.00 |
| 02:10 | 🔴 Red | 11.15.00 | 11.31.00 |
| 02:15 | ⚫ Black | 11.35.00 | 11.53.00 |
| 02:20 | ⚫ Black | 11.35.00 | 11.53.00 |
| 02:25 | ⚫ Black | 11.35.00 | 11.53.00 |
| 02:30 | ⚫ Black | 11.35.00 | 11.53.00 |