On September 28, 2025, HCA Marathon will welcome runners and spectators for the 25th time to a festive day in the streets of Odense. This event combines the joy of running, a strong sense of community, and a unique race experience. Whether you're a first-time marathoner or an experienced runner, our goal is for you to leave with unforgettable memories of a fantastic day.
With a traffic-free course winding through the heart of the city, HCA Marathon is a celebration for the whole family. In addition to the classic marathon, you can choose to run the Half Marathon or the “Run The Last 10” Even the youngest participants can join the fun with the MiniMarathon (4.2 km).
Join us and create your own adventure in the city of Hans Christian Andersen – we can’t wait to run with you!
Find all the practical details you need BEFORE, DURING, and AFTER the race below.
Se også vores andre løb
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
On Sunday, September 28, 2025, we celebrate a milestone—the 25th anniversary of HCA Marathon in Odense! It will be a day filled with the joy of running, community spirit, and unforgettable experiences. Whether you're an experienced marathon or half marathon runner or looking to participate in one of the shorter distances, you're guaranteed an amazing experience in the heart of the fairy tale city.
Anniversary bag for all participants
As a special gift for all participants you will receive an exclusive anniversary bag - a spacious and stylish sports bag, specially designed for the occasion, with room for both clothes and shoes. Perfect for training, races, and everyday use!
Add a special edition running T-Shirt!
To make the anniversary celebration even more memorable, you can purchase a unique anniversary t-shirt – a Nike Dri-FIT t-shirt that combines high quality with a creative design.
The t-shirt is decorated with beautiful H.C. Andersen-inspired paper cuttings, paying tribute to the world-famous fairy tale writer and Odense’s proud history. The detailed paper cuttings add an artistic and special touch, making the t-shirt a perfect souvenir from the race.
You can add the t-shirt when you register or purchase it later on your Sportstiming profile.
Distancen er udsolgt, men det er muligt at købe et startnummer gennem videresalgsfunktionen på Sportstiming.
Tryk her for videresalg af startnumre
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.
Find the training programs here.
Remember that there is free pre-training for the HCA Marathon every Sunday in August and September.
Startnumre skal afhentes på sportsmessen i Odense Idrætspark, Israels Plads 3 – Odense V.
Your race bib contains the timing chip – avoid bending the bib to prevent damage to the chip.
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 – find more information under FAQ
The Sports Expo takes place at Odense Idrætspark, Israels Plads 3 – Odense V.
Read more at Sports Expo.
When you pick up your bib number, you will receive a race bag for storing your belongings. The baggage storage is staffed and can be found at Odense Idrætspark (Hall 2) and will be open on race day from 08:00 – 16:30, and only for the provided race bag.
REMEMBER to attach the bib number slip to your race bag.
If you have more baggage than fits in the provided race bag, there is additional baggage storage available at the tent on the parking lot near Nature Energy Park from 08:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. (DKK 25 per item, payable by cash or MobilePay).
For participants in the “Run The Last 10”, there is also baggage drop-off at the start on Flakhaven by Odense City Hall. Your baggage will be transported to Odense Idrætspark.
The tram operates throughout the day to and from Odense Train Station / Odense Idrætspark, making it easy to get to and from the event, or to travel into the city center to cheer on friends and family.
Have a look at www.odenseletbane.dk/billetter.
If you're coming from afar by car, there is also parking available at the trams “Park & Ride”, so you won’t have to worry about finding parking at Odense Idrætspark.
Drivers are encouraged to arrive early on race day and use the parking spaces along the surrounding streets near Odense Idrætspark.
Remember to check the signage, as some areas have time-limited parking or require payment.
Will be available later on.
HCA Marathon has a deal with the following hotels:
Stay close to the highway with free parking.
On Sunday, there will be breakfast available from 06:30 for all runners.
One night (Saturday to Sunday)
Single room 1015 DKK
Double room 1165 DKK
Triple room 1365DKK
Use the discount code: BONE270925
Two or three nights (including Friday and/or Monday)
Single room 915 DKK per night
Double room 1065 DKK per night
Triple room 1265 DKK per night
Use the discount code: BTWO260925
Booking conditions
Bookings must be made directly on Scandic's website using the above codes.
The codes are only valid for booking rooms between September 26-29, 2025.
You will be asked to enter credit card details when booking your reservation. However, payment will be made at the hotel upon arrival.etaling vil dog ske direkte på hotellet ved ankomst.
Cancellation policy: Reservations can be canceled up to 5 days before arrival without a cancellation fee. After that, 100% of the total price will be charged in case of cancellation.
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:
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 can run 42.195 km in under 3:00, you can get a fastrunner mark to secure a starting position at the front of the field.
FASTRUNNERS ½ Marathon
Hvis du kan løbe 21,097 km under 1.30, kan du få en startplads forrest i feltet.
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 route is a 21.097 km loop 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!
At the course, there will be samarits on bikes and in the finish area you will find doctors. If you want to drop out of the race, you must contact the nearest fluid replacement station, where you will get a lift to the finishing line.
The route is measured by DAF-IAAF standards and approved by A.I.M.S.
Link to rutekort 2024.
The route will be without traffic from 10 a.m until 4 p.m.
The maximum time limit is marked by two cyclists riding at the back of the race. If you fall behind them, you must follow regular traffic rules.
Traffic will be gradually allowed back onto the route 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 route 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.
OBS! Marathon
If you haven’t passed the 20 km mark by 12:45, you must continue directly to the finish line and NOT proceed onto the second lap, as it will not be possible to complete the full marathon distance within the time limit. You will be registered as "Did Not Finish". You will not receive a medal, but you will still have access to the finish area refreshments.
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 intervals of 5K in the following order
Fluid depots ved ca. km 2,5 – 7,5 – 12,5 – 17,5
Must be handed in at Odense Idrætspark from Saturday 2 p.m - 4.30 p.m and Sunday 8.00 a.m – 8.30 a.m in the put up boxes. The nutrition will be brought out to the depots on the route, and will be on the first tables at all the depots.
Both Marathon and ½ Marathon have this opportunity.
Waiting for the 2025 program
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 The time recorded from the moment you cross the start line until you cross the finish line. Your race bib must be worn visibly on the front of your T-shirt and must not be folded or bent.
Link to livetracking 2024.
Headphones are not allowed during the race for safety reasons. Since the route is a loop, it is important that all runners can hear instructions from officials, cyclists, and other runners who need to pass. Instead, take in the green surroundings and the buzz of the city.
Details regarding this will be published at a later date. Keep an eye out for updates!
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 HCA Marathon, you will have the medal engraved on race day in the foyer of Odense Sports Park.
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 have their medal engraved and taken home, please visit the foyer before 3:30 p.m with your medal.
If you have not ordered engraving in advance, it can be purchased on the day, subject to available capacity.
OBS!
If you do not complete your registered distance, you will not receive a medal, and your time will be recorded as Did Not Finish
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.
In the finish area, refreshments will include spring water, fruit, muesli bars, and dessert from Danone.
Parents do NOT have access to the finish area but can meet their children after they exit the tent.
After the finish line aid station, you'll find the massage tent in the parking lot by Hall 2, where physiotherapy students from UCL are ready to help loosen up your muscles.
The service is free of charge
Can be found at Odense Idrætspark
Various food and beverage stalls will be available on race day at the main entrance to Odense Idrætspark.
While you enjoy a post-race treat, you can watch the finish line on the big screen (with a 45-minute delay).
Photos from the HCA Marathon will be continuously uploaded to the photo gallery. fotogalleri.
Link to List of results 2024.
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
If you’ve completed the Fynske Challenge (by finishing the Lillebælt Half Marathon, Fynske Bank De 3 Broer, and either the HCA Marathon or HCA Half Marathon) and have run with a gold number, you can collect your Fynske Challenge medal at the HCA Marathon stand at the sports expo after you have crossed the finish line.
