World Championships in Copenhagen aim to get Denmark on the run

The aim is for the World Championships to be felt long before race days and to leave a lasting impact that goes beyond the event itself. That’s why the partners behind the championship are launching a joint initiative called Vejen til VM (The Road to the World Championships), which will be rolled out in the months leading up to the event. 

The overarching goal is to initiate activities and programs that engage more Danes in running and physical activity – across age, ability, and geography – while simultaneously strengthening communities and local clubs. 

“When we host major international sporting events in Copenhagen, it is not only the city that serves as host – it is the people of Copenhagen. That is why it is crucial that the city’s residents are also able to share in the joy, and that the events leave their mark both on the city itself and on the habits and communities that grow out of them. With 'The Road to the World Championships’, we are creating a running festival that brings physical activity all the way into schools, clubs and local communities, so that even more children, young people and older Copenhageners feel inspired to be active, regardless of pace or experience. Because physical activity is not only about sport and competition, but also about greater well-being, stronger communities and better health in our everyday lives,” says Christopher Røhl, Mayor for Culture, Leisure and Citizen Services in the City of Copenhagen. 

Wide-ranging activities in Copenhagen 
The shorter distances at the Championships (One Mile and 5 km) make it possible to reach many more participants. These distances are suitable for all ages and skill levels, making them ideal for introducing new runners – including children and young people – to the sport. 

In Copenhagen, the activation programme includes a wide range of initiatives: running events for university students, high school and primary school students, after-school programmes, youth clubs, and day treatment services; running-focused physical education classes in schools; the creation of new running groups and clubs; and social running programmes for vulnerable adults training ahead of the Championships. 

In addition, the running activities are linked to existing events such as the School Olympics, Copenhagen Municipality’s Holiday Camps, and the Youth School programme, giving children and young people the opportunity to try running in familiar settings. 

The activation programme in Copenhagen was officially launched on 19 September 2025 in Fælledparken, where nearly 200 children from local schools competed in a relay race to mark exactly one year until the Championships. 

Group runs across the country 
The activation programme isn’t limited to Copenhagen – it will extend across Denmark. The ambition is for athletics and running clubs to play a central role in bringing together both new and existing members for group training sessions leading up to the Championships. The goal is to strengthen club communities and create lasting connections within the sporting community. 

"We look forward to experiencing the Championships in September, but just as much to highlighting running and the communities offered by the Danish Athletics’ member clubs. Coaches, volunteers, and members are ready to welcome new runners into inspiring and motivating training communities for both recreational and elite runners across the country," says Klaus Nørby Jakobsen, CEO of Danish Athletics. 

Danish Athletics’ member clubs have also had the opportunity to secure entry numbers for the highly sought-after half marathon, which can be used to bring members together and strengthen club communities in the lead-up to the event. 

Read more about the Championships and register here

Facts about the 2026 World Championships 

• Dates: 19-20 September 2026, Copenhagen 
• Distances: Half Marathon, 5 km, and One Mile (1.609 km) 
• Official name: World Athletics Road Running Championships Copenhagen 26 
• Elite athletes will compete, but all distances are also open to any interested runners 
• 5 km and One Mile: Saturday, 19 September 2026 
• Half Marathon: Sunday, 20 September 2026 
• Half Marathon entry numbers were sold via lottery earlier this year 
• 5 km and One Mile entries are available through open registration on the official website 
• Follow the Championships on Facebook and Instagram: @wrrccopenhagen26 
• World Athletics Road Running Championships Copenhagen 26 is hosted on behalf of World Athletics by Danish Athletics and Sparta Athletics & Running in collaboration with Copenhagen Municipality, Sport Event Denmark, and Wonderful Copenhagen