Information for elite runners

Each year Copenhagen Marathon has an international elite competition. There are two elite divisions – The International Elite A which is reserved for the international elite and the international Elite B that is open to everyone who meets the qualification requirements.
2027: Registration for Elite Runners
CPH Marathon logo design on a black and white background.

Elite A

The International Elite A field is reserved for the fastest runners and will start from the front row at Copenhagen Marathon 2027.

If you would like to be considered for placement in the Elite A field and have not received an invitation, you are welcome to contact us at elite@sparta.dk.

Placement in the Elite A field will be determined on an individual basis. We will review your request and get back to you as soon as possible.
Send en mail til: Elite@sparta.dk
CPH Marathon logo design on a black and white background.

Elite B

The International Elite B field is open to all runners who meet the qualifying standards and can provide documentation of their qualifying performance. Qualifying times must have been achieved between 1 January 2026 and 25 April 2027.

Women
Marathon: 2:50:00 or faster
Half Marathon: 1:20:00 or faster
10 km: 36:00 or faster

Men
Marathon: 2:25:00 or faster
Half Marathon: 1:08:30 or faster
10 km: 31:00 or faster
Our Elite division services
Runner passing a refreshment zone at the Copenhagen Marathon.
Refreshment Zones

Read all about the refreshment zones at the Copenhagen Marathon and your options for personalized bottles on the course.

Bird’s-eye view of a large group of runners at the Copenhagen Marathon.
Elite area and toilets

As an elite runner, you have access to a special tent near the finish area, where you can stay before and after the race. Exclusive elite toilets are also available for your convenience.

Three runners are seen standing together after the Copenhagen Marathon.
Changing rooms and clothes

Changing rooms will be available and it is possible to hand over extra clothes at the start line.

Competition Terms

Requirements for qualifying times

Your qualifying time must be achieved between 1st of January 2026 and 24 of April 2027 at an official competition certified by a national athletics federation and/or AIMS.

The course must be correctly measured and approved by the national athletics federation and/or AIMS.

Shoe rules

All International Elite A and International Elite B runners must comply with World Athletics’ shoe rules.

Shoe checks will be carried out if there is any suspicion regarding stack heights.

List of approved shoes

Prize money and ceremony

There will be prize money to the fastest runners at the Copenhagen Marathon. Please note that prize money in Denmark is taxed 15%.

Se prize money and bonuses

Doping Rules

It is not allowed to be doped and participate in the elite competition of the Copenhagen Marathon.

Any athlete who is subsequently found guilty of doping at the Copenhagen Marathon or who has been suspended from competition due to a doping prior to the event will be required to reimburse any expenses the race organiser has had regarding the athlete’s participation in the Copenhagen Marathon, as the performance – regardless of placement – is deemed invalid.