On Sunday, September 27th 2026, Odense once again transforms into a festive running arena as HCA Marathon invites runners, spectators, and the entire city to join this year’s great running celebration. Here, the joy of running meets community, energy, and your own running fairy tale — right in the heart of Hans Christian Andersen’s hometown, as we create a truly unique running experience together.
Whether you’re running your first marathon or chasing a new personal best, an unforgettable day awaits you on the traffic-free course through the streets of Odense.
In addition to the classic marathon, you can choose the ½ Marathon or the “Run the Last 10.” HCA Marathon is a celebration for the whole family. The youngest runners can also join the fun when the 4.2 km MiniMarathon kicks off.
Come and feel the atmosphere as the entire city of Odense cheers you on — and create new, fairy-tale memories at the 26th edition of the HCA Marathon. We can’t wait to run with you!
Find all the practical details you need BEFORE, DURING, and AFTER the race below.
Part of the Funen Challenge
Do you want to run with a GOLD RACE NUMBER? HCA Marathon is one of the three races that are all part of The Funen Challenge. To run with a gold race number, you must be registered for all three races.
When you complete the challenge within the same calendar year, you will receive an additional medal, a unique Funen Challenge medal.
Read more about it here.
Secure our unique race T-shirt, specially designed for this year’s event. The shirt is from Adidas and features a beautiful H.C. Andersen paper-cut design — a memorable keepsake that celebrates both the joy of running and Odense’s cultural heritage. You can achoose freely between the blue and the burgundy version.
It will be possible to purchase the T-shirt as an extra at the sports exhibition in Odense Idrætshal on 25, 26 and 27 September 2026 at Sportsworld's stand. Online purchases closed on 31 August.
The capital of Fyn has been home to many fairy tales since the time of Hans Christian Andersen, and since the year 2000, countless running adventures have been written in the city during the HCA Marathon. If you want to write your own running adventure, HCA Marathon is the perfect place, offering a fast and traffic-free route through the streets of Odense
Many runners have set personal bests on this course, and in 2019, HCA Marathon was named the world's fastest marathon (measured by average finish time). So if you're aiming for a record, HCA Marathon is the right place to look - because this course is simply fast. You can read more about the study at Runners World.
Link to Runners World
HCA Marathon 2026 is sold out – please use the Sportstiming resale platform here.
The sooner you register, the better the price!
Early Bird until 30 September 2025 £525
Until 5 January 2026 £650
After 5 January 2026 £750
Additional Purchase
Cancellation Insurance
It is possible to purchase a cancellation insurance which allows for a refund of the race fee in case of acute illness, injury, etc. Please note that transferring your race entry to the following year is no longer an option.
Whether you're a beginner or an experienced runner you can find running programs for the HCA Marathon. Choose the program that suits your level and get ready to cross the finish line in Odense.
Remember that there is free pre-training for the HCA Marathon every Sunday in August and September.
Race numbers must be collected at the sports fair in Odense on Friday, Saturday or Sunday. If you have purchased a t-shirt, it will be handed out along with your race number. You will find the sports fair at Odense Idrætspark, Israels Plads 3, 5200 Odense V. The fair is open
Friday 14:00 – 18:00
Saturday 10:00 – 16:30
Sunday 08:00 – 16:00*
We encourage everyone who has the opportunity to collect their race number before race day.
*NB if you are running the last 10 km, race numbers must be collected on the day of the race at Flakhaven. See more here.
Your race bib contains the timing chip – avoid bending the bib to prevent damage to the chip.
Picking up race bibs for someone else:
You are allowed to collect race bibs on behalf of others. You must bring the participant’s full name and race bib number.
IMPORTANT You must not alter your race bib, as this is grounds for disqualification according to DAF regulations. Likewise, stay on the marked course, as timing mats are placed along the route to record split times. Missing split times will result in disqualification.
If you need to make changes to your registration, such as updating your name, switching distances, or transferring your entry to another runner, please ensure these updates are made in advance to keep the results list accurate for all participants.
You can make the changes yourself online at sportstiming and also make add-ons to your registration; see more under FAQ.
The sports exhibition is free and is open throughout the race weekend. You will find the sports exhibition at Odense Idrætspark, Israels Plads 3, 5200 Odense V. The exhibition is open:
Friday 14:00 – 18:00
Saturday 10:00 – 16:30
Sunday 08:00 – 16:00
At the sports fair, you will find great offers on sportswear and equipment. You can also listen to exciting talks and join yoga with Planet Nusa.
When collecting your race number, you will be given a race bag, which you can use to store your luggage. The luggage storage is manned at Odense Idrætspark on race day from 8.00 am to 4.30 pm.
NYT 2026: SPLIT BAGGAGE STORAGE
REMEMBER to attach the bib number slip to your race bag.
If you have more baggage than can fit in the provided race bag, there is the option of extra baggage storage for a fee (DKK 30 per item via MobilePay). REMEMBER Marathon baggage in hall 2 and half-marathon baggage in the sprung hall.
If you have luggage for the “Run the Last 10” event, bag drop is also available at the start area at Flakhaven by Odense City Hall. All bags will be transported to the finish area.
The tram runs all day between Odense Central Station and Odense Idrætspark (stadium) with a travel time of around 9 minutes.
Buy your ticket by scanning the QR code at any tram station. It’s easy and affordable – tickets cost DKK 15 if you’re 26 or older, or DKK 10 if you’re under 26.
If you’re driving to Odense, parking at the tram’s Park & Ride is a convenient option. There are 800 free spaces close to the motorway, so you won’t have to search for parking near Odense Sports Park. Travel time from Park & Ride to the Sports Park is about 34 minutes
Read more here: By light rail to the HCA Marathon 2026
Drivers are encouraged to arrive early on race day and use the parking spaces along the surrounding streets.
Remember to check the signage, as some areas have time-limited parking or require payment.
In and around Odense Idrætspark you'll find car hire, luggage storage, the sports fair and everything else you need.
Use the map below to help you find your way around.
Take care that the baggage is split in 2026. Marathon in hall 2 and Half marathon in the spring hall – see entrances on the map below.
Make your race weekend even better with complete and comfortable accommodation in Odense.
Stay at Scandic Odense at a favourable price in connection with the HCA Marathon.
Single room (standard)
DKK 1.015,- per room per night
Triple room
DKK 1365,- per room per night
All prices include breakfast.
👉 Book your accommodation here and use the booking code below:
BOOK250926
Odense has a lot to offer - Explor them here:
On Fyn Nothing is far away from Odense - see what you can experience on oure green island here:
HCA Marathon x Adidas 2026
Secure our unique running shirt, designed specially for this year's run. The shirt is from Adidas, adorned with a beautiful H.C. Andersen paper cut. A memorable souvenir celebrating both the joy of running and Odense's fairytale cultural heritage. And you are free to choose whether you want the t-shirt in blue or bordeaux. The final deadline for purchase is 31 August.
How to access the shop where you can find t-shirts, magnets, medals, medal engraving, etc., depending on the race you are registered for.
See how you do below, or find the guide here:
1. Use your self-service modification code, which you received in your receipt.
2. Tap “Changes”
3. Tap on “Font size/display”
4. Here you can now choose your item.
OR
1. Log in with your profile at www.sportstiming.dk
2. Select “Orders” in the menu and go to the correct registration
3. Tap on “Font size/display”
4. Here you can now choose your item.
There is a joint start for the Marathon and Half Marathon from Stadionvej at 10.00.
In the start area, signs are set up with expected finishing times. To ensure the best experience for everyone, please position yourself according to the finishing time you expect to achieve.
FASTRUNNERS Marathon
If you are running a marathon and can provide documentation of an officially completed marathon in under 3:00 in the calendar year 2025–2026, you can get a place at the front of the starting pen.
FASTRUNNERS ½ Marathon
If you are running a half marathon and can present documentation of an officially completed half marathon in under 1:30 In the calendar year 2025-2026, you can get a spot at the front of the starting grid.
Get your fastrunner mark
You have to go to the information desk at Odense Idrætspark before Sunday 8:30 AM with your bib number and provide documentation of a fast time from an official race of the same distance within the last 2 years. You will then receive a sticker for your bib number, allowing you to enter the front start group.
Any clothing left in the start area will be collected shortly after the start and will be donated to the Red Cross.
The course runs through the streets of Odense.
We've arranged plenty of music along the course and a crowd of spectators ready to cheer you on. Therefore and for safety reasons, running with music in your ears is not allowed. Officials need to be able to communicate with you, so leave the music behind and enjoy the atmosphere!
If you leave the race and need transport to the finish area, go to the nearest refreshment zone, and they will arrange transport for you.
The course is measured by DAF-IAAF standards and approved by A.I.M.S.
The course will be without traffic from 10 a.m until 4 p.m.
The maximum time is marked by two cyclists cycling at the rear. If you are behind the cyclists, you must adhere to the traffic rules.
Traffic will be gradually allowed back onto the course according to a set schedule, and you must have passed the designated kilometer marks before the cut-off times – for example, traffic will reopen at kilometer 24 around 1:14 pm. If you arrive after this time, you should expect that course officiels and aid stations have left their posts, and you will therefore need to find your own way back to the finish line.
See the scheduled cut-off times here.
ATTENTION! Marathon
If you have not passed the 20 km mark by 12.45, you must continue to the finish and NOT continue onto the 2nd lap, as it will not be possible to finish the marathon distance within the time limit. You will be recorded as DNF (Did Not Finish) and will not receive a medal, but you will still be able to use the finish refreshment area.
The marathon pacers have blue balloons marked with the following finish times:
The half marathon pacers have green balloons marked with the following finish times:
The stations are located at approx. km 4 – 8.5 – 14 – 20
Fluid depots at approx. km 2 – 7 – 12 – 16.5
If you are bringing your own catering, this can be handed in at Odense Idrætspark (the foyer) on Saturday from 14.00 – 16.30 and Sunday from 8.00 – 8.30 in the 8 boxes provided. Your own catering will then be transported out to the feed stations on the route and will be placed on the first tables at all feed stations. Your own catering will therefore be placed on the 1st and 2nd tables respectively at the feed station.
HOW YOUR TIME IS RECORDED
Chip Timing: Your finish time is automatically recorded using a timing chip located on the back of your race bib.
Gross Time The time recorded from the official start signal until you cross the finish line.
Net time: From the moment you cross the start line until you cross the finish line.
We encourage you to use the collection bags provided for empty bottles - and if you miss one, someone will be happy to pick it up and collect the deposit. In this way, we help each other take care of our surroundings.
At the kilometre markers:
Help us to look after nature and keep the route clean. If you have rubbish along the way, please use the bins located at the kilometre markers.
Link to live tracking 2025.
Headphones are not permitted during the race for safety reasons, this includes open-ear headphones such as Shokz. As the route is a circuit, it is important that all runners can hear instructions from officials, cyclists, and other runners who may be overtaking. Instead, you can enjoy the green spaces and the buzz of the city.
Dogs are not allowed in the race.
It is possible to follow it live from the start at 10:00 until 13:00 via live streaming.
We will update with a link as we get closer to race day.
Please be patient
If you have an errand in Odense on Sunday, September 27, 2026, it would be a good idea to allow extra time for transportation, as the HCA Marathon will be taking place that day. This means it may be a bit more difficult to get around the city, so we kindly ask for your patience and consideration in traffic.
We will update with more information as we get closer to race day.
You will run the final 300 meters on Odense Athletics Stadium. The innermost lane is designated for the marathon, while the outermost lane is for the half marathon, “Run the Last 10,” and MiniMarathon.
At the finishing line, you will receive your medal. Please leave the area in the direction of the fluid replacement station.
Medal engraving
If you have purchased engraving for your medal as part of your participation in the HCA Marathon, you will have your medal engraved on race day in Hall 2 of Odense Idrætspark.
Please bring your race bib and medal, and have your finish time ready (on your phone) – your race bib serves as a receipt for the engraving.
To ensure everyone can get their medal engraved and take it home, please go to Hall 2 no later than 15:30 with the medal.
If you have not ordered engraving in advance, it can be purchased on the day, subject to available capacity.
ATTENTION!
If you have not completed your registered distance, you will not receive a medal and your time will be recorded as DNF (did not finish).
At the finish area, it is offered
Please note that once you leave the finish area, you cannot return.
MiniMarathon
After finishing, participants will be directed to the “MiniMarathon” tent, which serves as the finish area. The tent is located near the seating grandstand.
Parents do NOT have access to the finish area but can meet their children after they exit the tent.
Can be found at Odense Idrætspark
Various food and drink stalls will be available on the race day at the main entrance to Odense Idrætspark as well as inside the Athletics Stadium near the finish line.
There are big screens in both places. By the main entrance with a 45-minute delay, so you have just enough time for a shower before food and drinks are enjoyed after the run.
Photos from HCA Marathon 2026 will be continuously uploaded to photo gallery.
Link to 2026 results list.
Download your finisher certificate by clicking on your name on the list of results.
Prize money for winning time under the record: +DKK 10.000
Link to records since 2000 at HCA Marathon..
The Funen Challenge
See also our other races
HCA Marathons Newsletter
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By registering, you automatically participate in the draw for a starting number for your chosen distance for the HCA Marathon 2026.
See more in our competition conditions.
HCA Marathons Newsletter
By signing up, you are now automatically entered into our Advent competition - see more here.
(the competition runs from 18 December 2025 at 11:00 to 22 December at 12:00)
