Copenhagen Half race review: one of the best European Half Marathons?

I got to experience the Copenhagen Half Marathon for the very first time in September 2024. Here’s everything you need to know about this event and my honest review.

Please note that I’m talking about my own experience based on how the race was organised in 2024, some things may change in the next editions.

Copenhagen Half: more than just a race

The Copenhagen Half Marathon is an annual event that gets more and more popular as the years go by. This year, entries sold out months in advance. Thankfully, there was an official resale platform and I managed to grab an entry at the very last minute.

More than just a race, it’s a party on the streets with incredible entertainment and the most enthusiastic spectators. Once you’ve experienced it for the first time, you’re likely to want to do it again.

This half marathon takes place in September. The course had slightly changed this year, starting and finishing by Fælledparken, in the eastern neighbourhood Østerbro.

In 2024, the race started at 9:30am.

Race number collection

Whilst you can collect your race number on the morning of the event, it is strongly advised to head over to the expo which was open from the Thursday to the Saturday, to avoid any extra stress on race morning.

It was very easy to collect the race pack by presenting the QR code you received via email. No need to show your ID. This is also where the official race T-shirt that is included in your race entry free can be picked up.

Can you run a half marathon PB at Copenhagen Half?

You can check the course and all the details on my Strava activity here.

Copenhagen is a flat city, and the course is overall very flat. You can barely feel the slight inclines here and there.

With just a few turns and very smooth tarmac all the way, it definitely lands itself to fast running times. Many runners including myself set a new personal best at this race.

What happens at the finish?

Once you’ve crossed the finish line, you receive your finisher’s medal and can also grab a water bottle as well as a banana and a can of beer.

The finish area inside the park makes you feel like you’re at a festival. There are food vendors, picnic tables, you can get your official finisher photo taken and even ring an actual bell if you got yourself a PB!

Copenhagen Half Marathon: my 2024 experience

I filmed parts of the course, you can watch the footage and my race recap in this vlog:

Here’s what I enjoyed the most about Copenhagen Half:

Check out this Reel for a glimpse into race day!

The start was very smooth, despite gathering nearly 30,000 runners. There was no need to be in your starting pen too early and you could warm up / use the toilets pretty much until a few minutes before the start.
The course itself was really enjoyable, with barely any elevation and a few sights to check out along the way.

The atmosphere was incredible, from the music and performers to the incredibly supportive crowds who were super keen to cheer everyone on, not to mention the epic NBRO cheer zone at km 18. I had a big smile on my face the whole way, gave high fives and soaked up the whole experience. I had earphones, but I really didn’t need music with such support!
Alongside water, there was also High 5 Energy drink in cups at most aid stations, as well as gels and even mist showers which were great as the sun was shining!

Any downsides?

It would have been even better if the entry fee (£58) included a goody bag with some snacks and bits from the race sponsors.
The race photos were unfortunately not the best, a bit of a hit or miss.

Would I do it again?

Absolutely! I thoroughly enjoyed it and would love to take part in this race again. Hopefully next year and this time I’ll be sure to grab my entry before complete sell out.