Denmark is in it for the long run: DHL 5x5 breaks all records

"We have been overwhelmed by the massive enthusiasm for running events in Copenhagen," said Dorte Vibjerg, CEO of Sparta, commenting on the massive interest for signing up for running events in Copenhagen. Just last week, the 5x5 DHL relay surpassed previous records, reaching more than 125,000 participants in Copenhagen. With another three weeks, the numbers are expected to increase even more.

"We are experiencing an impressive interest in running, and with Sparta being the leading organizer in Copenhagen, we are reaping the rewards of our previous events. It all started with the IAAF World Half Marathon Championships 2014, where 30,000 recreational runners alongside the elite and got a lifetime experience. Furthermore, for many running has become a vital part of their lifestyle," explained Vibjerg. 

Running is in the Family

Vibjerg highlighted the surge in participation as a demonstration of how running has become part of the Danish DNA. Over the summer, Denmark hosted many major running events targeting different audiences. The Royal Run, under the patronage of the Danish Royal Family, is particularly aimed at new runners. More than 93,000 signed up this year, and with a whopping 19,545 participants in a Road Mile, the race holds the World Record for the largest ever mile race.

Sparta has picked up on the interest of new runners and is now offering start-up sessions and training sessions for runners of all ages and abilities. Running is a genuine family activity, and Sparta, therefore, designed the training offers accordingly.

Preparing for 2026 

Leveraging its extensive experience, Sparta, in collaboration with the Danish Athletic Federation, Copenhagen Municipality, Wonderful Copenhagen, and Sport Event Denmark, has bid for The World Athletic Road Running Championships in 2026. They eagerly await World Athletics' decision.

"With the combined expertise of our partners, we have the experience and insights to deliver an unforgettable World Athletics Road Running Championships. With a capacity of 65,000 participants – 35,000 for the half marathon, 20,000 for the 5 k and 10,000 for the mile – it is a sizeable challenge, but we are used to organizing events of this scale. Nevertheless, our annual events, such as the DHL 5x5, serve as important and useful test events.

Get off to a running start.

The summer's overwhelming interest in entering running events in Copenhagen and the record-breaking numbers of the upcoming DHL 5x5, the Royal Run and the CPH Half illustrates that Sparta is off to a flying start.

Running has become a lifestyle for many Danes, and Sparta aims to embrace this ethos, and invite runners worldwide to experience an unforgettable race in the heart of Copenhagen.