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.
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.
If you didn’t purchase the T-shirt during registration, you can still get it using the self-service code on your receipt.
Select “Changes” and then “Change Size/Equipment
You can also log in at sportstiming.dk and choose “Order”, “Changes”, and “Change Size/Equipment”.
Remember to select the color you want for your T-shirt.
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
Register here.
The sooner you register, the better the price!
Early Bird until 30th september 2025 kr. 525,-
Until January 5th 2026 kr. 650,-
After January 5th 2026 kr. 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.
Find the training programs here.
Remember that there is free pre-training for the HCA Marathon every Sunday in August and September.
Bib numbers must be collected at the Sports Expo in Odense on Friday, Saturday, or Sunday. The address and collection times will be announced later.
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 – find more information under FAQ
The Sports Expo is free and open throughout the entire race weekend.
More details will follow.
Read more about The Sports Expo.
When collecting your race bib, you will receive a race bag, which must be used for storing your personal belongings. The bag drop is staffed and open on race day from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Only the issued race bag will be accepted for storage.
REMEMBER to attach the bib number slip to your race bag.
If you have more luggage than can fit in the issued race bag, additional bag storage is available.
kr. 25 pr piece.
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 about the tram here: https://www.odenseletbane.dk/english Med letbanen til HCA Marathon
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.
I og omkring Odense Idrætspark finder du nummerudlevering, bagageopbevaring, sportsmessen og alt andet du får brug for.
Orienter dig på kortet herunder, så det er nemt at finde rundt.
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:
The marathon and half marathon will start together from Stadionvej at 10:00 AM.
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
Hvis du skal løbe marathon og kan fremvise dokumentation for et officielt gennemført marathon under 3:00 inden for de seneste to år, kan du få en plads forrest i startfeltet.
FASTRUNNERS ½ Marathon
Hvis du skal løbe ½ marathon og kan fremvise dokumentation for et officielt gennemført ½ marathon under 1:30 inden for de seneste to år, kan du få en plads forrest i startfeltet.
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 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 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.
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 at approximately 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 course, and will be on the first tables at all the depots.
Both Marathon and ½ Marathon have this opportunity.
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.
Link to livetracking 2025.
Headphones are not allowed during the race for safety reasons. Since the course 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.
Dogs are not allowed in the race.
It is possible to follow the event live from the start at 10:00 a.m. until the finish around 4:00 p.m. via livestream.
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 medal engraving as part of your participation in the HCA Marathon, your medal will be engraved on race day at 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 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
At the finish area, participants are offered mineral water, fruit, muesli bars, and more.
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 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 HCA Marathon 2026 will be continuously uploaded to photo gallery.
Link to resultatlisten 2026.
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
HCA Marathons Nyhedsbrev
