Spectator guide

HCA Marathon 2026

When tens of thousands of runners take on the marathon and half-marathon distances, it is not just their big day – it is also a celebration for you who are standing along the route. Cheering for friends, family and all the other runners is not only a fantastic way to show support, it also gives the runners a huge boost to keep going. 

The whole day is buzzing with atmosphere! Along the route, you'll find hotspots and cheering zones filled with music, activities, and good energy. In the start and finish area, you can experience the truly great moments at Odense Athletics Stadium, enjoy drinks and food from Front Food, or snap up a bargain at the sports fair.

Hotspots and lucky zones

Along the route you'll find both lively hotspots with our major partners and energetic cheer zones, where clubs, schools and cheering choirs will create an atmosphere that lifts the runners all the way to the finish line.

On the route you will encounter: 

  • Tinderbox Moonshine
  • Albani Faxe Kondi Booster
  • Odense Running Crew Cheering Zone 
  • Pipes and Drums
  • Planet Nusa 
  • TOP Drummers 
  • Vikings Cheerleaders 
  • Plenty of Time
  • The Running Expert 
  • Odense Gospel Choir
  • One-man band Johan Solo 
  • Singer & Swinger 
  • DJ Alex Fig
  • Soleus 
  • Stilt Marie like H.C. Andersen 
  • Wired Sons
  • Tempur hip zone
  • Arla Protein cottage cheese
  • A large choir of luck from local clubs

Click here to see the overview of standings along the route in 2026

Odense Sports Park

Odense Idrætspark is the centre of the running festival with food stalls, a sports expo, and the finish line at Odense Athletics Stadium. Read more below. 

Odense Sports Park

Odense Idrætspark is the centre of the running festival with food stalls, a sports expo, and the finish line at Odense Athletics Stadium. Read more below. 

By the main entrance to Odense Sports Park and inside the Athletics Stadium you will find Front Food – a street food area with a wide selection of food and drinks. 

While enjoying some food and drink, you can watch the finish on the big screen (with a 45-minute delay) at the main entrance to Odense Idrætspark.  

At this year's Front Food you will find the following food trucks: 

Main Entrance Odense Sports Park

  • Albani – Cold beer, water and fizzy drinks 
  • Fairytale Pancakes – Delicious pancakes and burgers
  • Bellinge grillen – Classic sausages 
  • Fogarolli Coffee – Hot drinks 
  • Anarchy Burger – Juicy Burgers
  • Emma’s is – Ice-cold ice 
  • Churros – Crispy churros 
  • Fresh Bites – Fresh fries

Odense Athletics Stadium

  • Albani – Cold beer, water and fizzy drinks 
  • Petes Wheelie Food
  • FoodKartellet – Greek-inspired
  • SnackDog – delicious hot dogs
  • Fairytale Pancakes – Roast pork sandwich and burger
  • Fogarolli Coffee – Hot drinks 
  • Odin – Classic Sausages 

Every year before and during the HCA Marathon, sports enthusiasts can get updated on the latest in sports equipment and training methods at the associated sports exhibition in Odense Idrætshal.

Spectators, participants and all others interested will have the opportunity to see, touch and, crucially, buy the very latest in sports equipment, as well as gain new knowledge about the latest trends in training and recovery. Furthermore, the fair will be overflowing with great offers on clothing, shoes and much more.

The exhibition is a unique opportunity to see and buy the wide range of clothing and equipment available for primarily running, but also triathlon, fitness, and many other sports.

The sports fair is open all weekend.

  • Friday 2pm - 6pm
  • Saturday 10am - 4.30pm
  • Sunday from 8am - 4pm.

Click here to read more about the Sports Fair

Free between

From the stand at Odense Athletics Stadium you have the best view of the finish area and the final dramatic lap before the runners cross the finish line. Cheer along as the first runners cross the finish line, and become a part of the celebration at the prize-giving ceremonies – here we celebrate the winners of the Marathon, half marathon, “Run the last 10” and MiniMarathon.

Check the programme for the day here.

Get around town easily

With the Light Rail 

The Odense Light Rail runs all day between Odense Station and Odense Sports Park. The journey time is approximately 9 minutes. With the light rail, it's easy to get into the city centre and cheer on friends and family.

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.

Read more here: By light rail to the HCA Marathon 2026

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