There was speed, smiles, and plenty of medal pride as over 1,800 excited children took over Fælledparken on Saturday for this year’s CPH Mini Marathon. The weekend kicked off with races, games, and marathon spirit for the youngest participants, just a day before the adults take to the streets for the Copenhagen Marathon.
The programme featured both children’s and family races over the classic One Mile distance of 1.6 kilometres. After a collective warm-up with Sparta’s mascot Sprinter and cheers along the route, the young runners were off.
At the finish line, all participants were greeted with medals and bananas, while the start and finish area buzzed with music, entertainment, and family-friendly activities throughout Fælledparken.
Photos will be added to the album throughout the weekend:
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A sneak peek at the World Championships – Open to all
This year, the CPH Mini Marathon is part of the build-up to the World Athletics Road Running Championships in Copenhagen on 19–20 September, featuring the Half Marathon, 5 km, and One Mile events.
Although these are official world championships, everyone is welcome to participate. On all three distances, the world’s elite will run ahead of a large field of runners of all ages.
On Saturday, 19 September, the One Mile takes place in the morning, followed by the 5 km in the afternoon. Registration is still open for these two distances, while the Half Marathon on Sunday, 20 September, is sold out.
The three fastest girls and boys from Saturday’s children’s race also earned themselves entries to the World Championships in September.
More on the World Championships
See results and download your diploma
All of the day’s results can be found via the link below. By searching for your race number (click Search and enter your number), you can also download a personalised diploma.
Go to the results
Eight-year-old Arnold and nine-year-old August, ran the children’s race together and gave it their all from start to finish.
“It was really fun to take part, and the best part was running together,” said Arnold, just after receiving his medal.
Beside him, August added with a grin:
“I’ve been running since I was two, so it was a pretty easy course for me, but it was brilliant that there was so much entertainment at the end,” said August.
The boys quickly enjoyed a sip of water and a bite of their bananas before heading back out into Fælledparken for more fun.
Six-year-old Alfred, returning after last year’s CPH Mini Marathon, had been looking forward to running again for months.
“Last year was so much fun, but the course was a bit short, so it’s great that we ran further today,” he said.
Alfred ran alongside his mother, Anne, who negotiated the twists and turns of the course with determination.
“I just love seeing this kind of race for children. It’s so wonderful that they can be part of the running world,” she said.
Nine-year-old Caroline, taking part for the first time, had donned her fastest running dress for the occasion and was already beaming with excitement before the start.
“The best part was running much faster today than when I train with my dad, because so many people were cheering,” she said.
Caroline’s father, Lars, had his hands full from the very start. As soon as the starting pistol fired, Caroline took off, and Lars had to keep pace behind her.
“It’s just lovely to be here. I’ve really enjoyed training with her ahead of today,” he said with a smile at Caroline.