How to Enter the Copenhagen Half Marathon

In 2026, the Copenhagen Half Marathon will host the World Athletics Road Running Championships half marathon. Denmark’s capital will stage the 12th edition of one of the world’s biggest half marathons, with 35,000 runners expected on the start line. Its fast, flowing course attracts the best runners on the planet as well as a huge community of dedicated amateurs. Public entries make up the vast majority of the field, but securing a place now means going through a lottery.

✓ How do you enter the Copenhagen Half Marathon and secure your place in the next edition?

Public entry: a lottery is now required

How to enter the Copenhagen Half Marathon

With tens of thousands of runners chasing a place, it was only a matter of time before entry to the Copenhagen Half Marathon became more difficult. Some 35,000 runners are expected for the 2026 edition, and anyone hoping to claim one of those coveted places had to enter the lottery. The Copenhagen Half Marathon is following the lead of major races, including the World Marathon Majors in London, New York, Berlin, Chicago, Boston, Tokyo and Sydney. For the first time in 2026, the organizer has introduced a lottery. Runners selected in the draw are notified by email and must then confirm their entry. In previous years, all places sold out within a few hours of registration opening.

Key lottery dates:

Race date : late September

Lottery opens : early March

Lottery closes : late March

Results announced : mid-April by email

Travel agencies: discover Copenhagen while you run

Copenhagen, Denmark’s capital, is known for its quality of life, contemporary architecture, canals, colourful neighbourhoods and strong focus on sport and sustainable mobility. Green and energetic, it is an ideal setting for a running weekend that combines performance with discovery. The Copenhagen Half Marathon passes through many of the city’s most iconic neighbourhoods, giving runners a smooth, festive and hugely popular urban course. To support international runners, the organizer works with official travel agencies, including the SuperHalfs circuit’s partner tour operators. They offer complete packages with a guaranteed bib, accommodation, transport and sometimes additional services such as race support, sightseeing and transfers. These all-inclusive options not only secure your entry, even when demand is high or a lottery is in place, but also make it easier to enjoy the full experience on the ground. Only official SuperHalfs tour operators are authorized to offer packages with a guaranteed bib. The partner list is available on the official race and SuperHalfs websites.

2026 World Half Marathon Championships

In 2026, the running world will turn its attention to Denmark’s capital, which will host the World Athletics Road Running Championships over 5 km and the half marathon. Copenhagen will bring together the fastest road runners on the planet, with the men’s and women’s world champions crowned over 21.1 km. For this special edition, public runners were able to enter through the 2025 lottery. Additional mass-participation races will also take place alongside the world championships.

Copenhagen joins the prestigious SuperHalfs circuit

Since its creation in 2022, the Copenhagen Half Marathon has joined the very select group of SuperHal fs. This international circuit brings together six prestigious half marathons across Europe: Lisbon, Prague, Cardiff, Valencia and Berlin. It bears a strong resemblance to the World Marathon Majors. Runners who complete all six races receive a special SuperHalfs medal. The Copenhagen Half Marathon has built its reputation on an exceptionally fast course. The race records tell the story: in the men’s race, Kenya’s Geoffrey Kamworor made history in 2019 by covering the 21.097 km in 58:01, a time that was then a world record for the distance. In the women’s race, Ethiopia’s Tsehay Gemechu holds the course record with her 1:05:08 run in 2021. These performances underline the potential of the Danish course, renowned for its flat profile, smooth flow and conditions that are often ideal for fast times. World Athletics’ “Elite Road Race” label guarantees high standards of organization, safety and timing, making the Copenhagen Half Marathon one of Europe’s most prestigious races.

Entry for semi-elite and elite runners

With a very fast course and an exceptionally deep field, the Copenhagen Half Marathon attracts runners from the international elite. The course gives the fastest athletes on the planet a chance to chase records. Elite places are limited, however, and the organizer has set qualifying times for this status. There are two categories: the “Elite Field”, made up of runners invited directly by the race, and Elite B.

To qualify for the Elite B category, runners must have recorded a recent benchmark time in a certified race:

Women : half marathon under 1:16:00, 10 km under 34:15, or 5 km under 16:30

Men : half marathon under 1:06:00, 10 km under 29:45, or 5 km under 14:15

The Copenhagen Half Marathon continues to draw runners from around the world. There are several ways to secure a bib, even though the lottery remains the most popular option.

✓ Find all the entry information for the Copenhagen Half Marathon