The Early Years
2004Established in 2004, the Copenhagen Midnight Marathon is now 22 years old. From its first edition in Copenhagen, it has evolved into a race that reflects the character of its host region in Denmark.
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Course & Elevation
A unique urban marathon starting at midnight through the streets of Copenhagen, featuring the historic city center, waterfront areas along the Copenhagen Harbor and lakes, and the scenic Nørrebro and Vesterbro neighborhoods. The course is nearly flat with excellent street lighting and enthusiastic spectators cheering runners through the night.
Surface: road Profile: Flat
Weather
Temperature 16°C
Humidity 72%
Rain Chance 45%
Cool summer nights with comfortable running conditions. Typical August weather brings mild temperatures ideal for night running, with moderate chance of brief showers. Wind speeds generally light to moderate.
The Race
Copenhagen
Race Lore
The Course Record
2019The fastest time ever recorded at the Copenhagen Midnight Marathon is 02:11:34, set by Simon Doyle in 2019. Every year, new contenders line up hoping to challenge that mark on the streets of Copenhagen.
The Fast Lane
Runners come to the Copenhagen Midnight Marathon for one reason: personal bests. The flat, fast course through Copenhagen has a reputation as a PB factory, with the roads seemingly designed to keep your pace honest and your splits consistent from start to finish.
Running in the Dark
Starting under cover of darkness gives the Copenhagen Midnight Marathon an atmosphere unlike any daytime race. Headlamps pierce the night, the temperature drops, and the usual visual landmarks of a marathon disappear — leaving nothing but the rhythm of footsteps and the glow of the finish line ahead.
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Course Record
02:11:34
Simon Doyle (2019)
Registration
Registration Opens March
Registration Closes July
Entry Cost DKK 550-750
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Official Website →
Fun Facts
- ▸ The race starts at midnight (00:00) on Saturday night/Sunday morning, making it one of Europe's most unique marathon experiences with participants running through the illuminated city under streetlights and midnight sun conditions
- ▸ Founded in 2004, the Midnight Marathon has grown to become Denmark's second-largest marathon and attracts elite runners from across Europe alongside recreational participants
- ▸ The course loops through iconic Copenhagen landmarks including Tivoli Gardens vicinity, Nyhavn waterfront, and crosses multiple historic bridges over the city's famous lakes
- ▸ Despite starting in darkness, the race benefits from Danish summer's minimal darkness in August, with runners experiencing dawn breaking around kilometer 30
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