Although the marathon discipline is said to go all the way back to ancient Greece, it took many years for the idea of running 42.195 km at one stretch to spread to other parts of the world. The Boston Marathon was held for the first time in 1897, but it was not until the 70s and 80s that the marathon discipline came to Europe.

In 1980 the marathon discipline came to Copenhagen with Sparta Athletics & Running as organiser and the first marathon pioneers were able to run the long distance through the streets of Copenhagen.

In the early years the Copenhagen Marathon wasn’t as organised as now. Amongst other the course wasn’t closed completely off to traffic, so the runners had to run in and out between the cars at some places. There was even one year where the runners had to run over Langebro, and the bridge went up twice so all the runners had to wait patiently for the bridge to go down again before they could continue.

Fortunately a lot has happened since then and today the course, road closures and every other practical aspect are meticulously planned.

In the beginning, race results were printed in the newspaper and hung in the windows of Politiken’s Hus the day after the race. Video and pictures were scarce, and only those present were part of the experience and memories.

Today, the Copenhagen Marathon is a completely different experience, which not only exists in real life, but is also strengthened and preserved in a digital universe. Live video and personal photos are taken during the race, and friends and family can follow their loved ones live via the Copenhagen Marathon app. The race is broadcasted all over the world, so you can cheer on your friends and family even if you can’t be there in person.

The experience and memories are real and personal, but at the same time digital and shared. This is why the Copenhagen Marathon has an ambition of becoming the world’s most digital marathon.