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March 3rd, 2012

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After months of winter gorging and inebriation, health-minded folks have put on their reflective vests and headed back outside at regular intervals in the mornings, evenings, and even some afternoons. No, they’re not about directing traffic or working in construction; their focus is on pace, breath, and time. These are the people in training for marathon season. If you haven’t noticed them yet, now you will realise they are everywhere. This city is overflowing with runners – more even than all the parks and green spaces can handle.  

Various locations around Copenhagen; from spring to the onset of winter; www.sparta.dk

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DHL Staffeten This is a huge relay race, where teams of five compete against each other and each participant runs five kilometres. Some 125,000 people are expected to take part over the five-day period in Fælledparken. Participants pay 620kr per team to join, which includes a basket of food and goodies, and the route is designed so that team members can cheer each other on.

Fælledparken, Cph Ø; August 27-31, 18:00; entry 620kr per team, registration starts April 1

Spartas Kvindeløb Now in its 31st year, Spartas Kvindeløb is a 10km run that starts and finishes on Øster Allé in a blaze of many shades of pink. Over 1,000 women are already registered, and many more are expected to join. Register online and view the list of participants.

Starts and ends on Øster Alle, Cph Ø; June 17 at 11:00; women only; www.copenhagenswomens10k.dk

Nike test runs  Sparta is an athletics organisation that arranges most of the large running events in Denmark, including the Copenhagen Marathon, the Ekstra Bladet Cityløb and Spartas Kvindeløb. In the run-up to marathon season, they hold free weekly training events, and three serious test runs in order to prepare runners for the entire distance. On March 11 and April 15, the Nike-sponsored test runs in Østerbro will take place over distances of 15km and 21.1km respectively. Information about training, test runs, registering for events, and membership can be found at www.sparta.dk. Other events arranged by Sparta are listed on their website for the summer and autumn.

Starts and ends at Sparta Hallen, Cph Ø; March 11 (15km) & April 15 (21.1km); www.sparta.dk

Nykredit Copenhagen Marathon For runners who count themselves well above the basic joggers, the highlight of the season, the Nykredit Copenhagen Marathon, takes place on May 20. The training process takes months, even for those in relatively good physical shape, and this on flat pavement through city streets blocked off for participants. No walkers are allowed and the exact 42.195 km route loops around through the city, passing through certain areas more than once, where spectators cheer on the runners and keep up the spirit of the marathon. The marathon begins and ends in Islands Brygge and 15,000 runners are expected to start the race. Participants can register online.  

Starts and ends in Islands Brygge, Cph S; May 20 at 09:30; www.copenhagenmarathon.dk

Änglamark Nytårsløb This December 31 event starts and ends at Sparta Hallen, and true to the New Year spirit, competitors get a goodie bag, champagne and festive cake from Änglamark. Race 5km, 10km or 21.1km, while the kids can run 2.5km.

Starts and ends at Sparta Hallen, Cph Ø; 31 Dec at 09:30 and 11:00

OTHER EVENTS:

Mini City Løb The Mini City Løb takes runners through the city streets on 5km and 10km routes on May 2.

Starts and ends at Black Diamond, Cph K; May 2 at 18:30 & 19:00

Politiken mini marathon The Politiken mini-marathon for kids on May 19 begins and ends at Østerbro Stadium. There are 1km and 2km options.   

Starts and ends at Østerbro Stadion, Cph Ø; May 19, 11:00-13:00

MINI Strandparkløb  For children, there are a 5km and a 10km runs held on Amager Strandpark on July 4 called the MINI Strandparkløb.  

Starts and ends on Amager Strandpark, Cph S; July 4, 18:30 (5km), 19:00 (10km); for kids

Mini Havneløb Run around Copenhagen Harbour in the summer heat over 5km and 10km.

Starts and ends at Gefionspringvandet, Copenhagen Harbour, Cph K; Aug 16, 18:30 (5km) & 19:00 (10km)

Powerade Copenhagen Half Marathon Join 6,000 others at Øster Allé and follow a route that goes around the entire  city centre. In the days leading up to the event, there’s an expo at Sparta Hallen on September 7 and 8.

Starts and ends on Øster Allé, Cph Ø; Sep 9, 11:00; www.copenhagenhalfmarathon.dk

Marathon Start Op Run 5km, 10km or 15km in everyone’s favourite running suburb.

Starts and ends at Sparta Hallen, Cph Ø; 28 Oct at 09:30