The elite runners are lined up at the starting area of the Copenhagen Marathon.

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.
Sign up for elite runners
CPH Marathon logo design on a black and white background.

Elite A

The International Elite A field is reserved for the absolute fastest runners and starts in the front row at Copenhagen Marathon 2026.

If you wish to be placed in the Elite A field – and you have not been invited – you are welcome to contact us at:

[email protected]

The placement will then be based on an individual assessment. When we have reviewed your results, we will contact you with an answer as soon as possible.
Send us an email at [email protected]
CPH Marathon logo design on a black and white background.

Elite B

The International Elite B division is open to everyone who meets the qualification requirements and can document their qualifying time. Your qualifying time must be achieved between 1st of January 2025 and 3rd of May 2026. The qualifying times are:

Women, half marathon: 1 h : 21 min . 00 sek
Men, half marathon: 1 h : 11 min . 00 sek

Women, marathon: 2 h : 54 min . 00 sek
Men, marathon: 2 h : 30 min . 00 sek
Registration opens later in 2025
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 B area and toilets

As an elite B 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 2025 and 3rd of May 2026 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.