Marathon is a classic long distance discipline, not only in canoeing but also in event management. Throughout this week, gold medals and green surroundings have gone hand in hand in Denmark, where the Canoe Marathon World Championships were held with great success and a special focus on green transition.

World champions in canoe marathon have been awarded gold medals in the past week in beautiful green surroundings at Lake Jels. The preparations for the championship have also been a marathon, as work has been done on a sustainable event setup from the allocation in 2019 until today. Both the Danish Canoe Federation, Vejen Municipality, Sport Event Denmark, and SportsCenter Denmark have been on board and are now looking back at a World Championship where gold standard has been in our nature.

“I am proud, happy, and grateful! Proud of a World Championship that ran smoothly in every way and the many impressive Danish results. Happy about the numerous side activities and school visits. A special thanks goes out to the citizens of Jels and the local rowing club for their exceptionally warm welcome for such a large event as the World Championship. Along with our financial partners Vejen Municipality, Sport Event Denmark, and SportsCenter Denmark, we have received many international accolades for our hosting and especially for our particular focus on sustainable execution,” says Tom Faurschou, chairman of the Danish Canoe Federation.

The 2023 ICF Canoe Marathon World Championships is one of the championships organized by the international federation.

ICF President Thomas Konietzko congratulates the Danish organizers on the successful World Championship:

“It’s wonderful to have the ICF Canoe Marathon World Championships held in Denmark, a country with a strong and rich history in canoe marathon. The beautiful landscape of Vejen is perfect for showcasing this sport, and connect with its natural settings. The competition was a great spectacle, with fantastic coverage, and I’ve heard many compliments from athletes on the running of the event.

The Danish values on sustainability are aligned with our own, and the responsibility we place upon ourselves representing a sport dependent on nature. The efforts made by the organisers are hugely appreciated by the International Canoe Federation, as we continue to develop and strive for carbon-neutral events.

I’d like to thank the Danish Canoe Federation, Sport Event Denmark, and the Vejen municipality for hosting such a great event, and we look forward to holding further canoeing events in the country.”

Satisfaction with the just-concluded World Championship is also evident among the partners.

Sport Event Denmark

“It has been a great week for us at the office. The ICF Canoe Marathon World Championships took place at Lake Jels. UCI trials were held during the Urban Sports Festival in Aarhus. Both events had their unique characteristics. What they had in common was a strong focus on sustainable execution. Event work is not a sprint but a marathon, and the same applies when we talk about green transition, as this week’s international events have demonstrated,” said Lars Lundov, CEO of Sport Event Denmark.

Vejen Municipality

“To be hosting an event like this is great. We are very proud to be able to attract a world championship, and the surroundings at Jels Sø, does make an absolutely perfect scene.

We’ve done everything possible to make sure the conditions are at its best for both the athletes, the audience and the volunteers, and I would like to give a big thanks to Kano- og Kajakforbundet, Sport Event Denmark, ICF, Trekantområdet Danmark, Vejen Idrætscenter and Thorhallen for a very good cooperation.  With that said, then it’s also amazing to experience how everybody in Jels have been joining in on this event, and how all the volunteers pays a big part in getting everything to just work.  We’ve been getting a lot of useful experience from this, and I do believe that we here in Vejen will be able to host other big event such as this in the time to come,” said the Mayor, Frank Schmidt-Hansen

SportsCenter Denmark

“Being a host and part of a large international sports event is always a great honor for Sportscenter Denmark. It means a lot to us that we can showcase one of Denmark’s largest and most flexible sports facilities. We are a center with over 2000 events and 1 million visitors every year. We are truly proud to have been chosen as the World Championship host this time, and we always do our best for the organizer and each individual athlete,” said Jakob Sander, CEO of SportsCenter Denmark.

Facts:

Green Initiatives: Reduced plastic consumption, recycling, and waste sorting in a holistic approach to sustainability.

Nations: 33

Participants: 400+ masters, 400+ elite, and 25 para-athletes

Volunteers: 250

School visits: 11 schools with 650+ students

Estimated spectators during the week: 5000

In 2014, history was made as the World Road Running Championships took place in Copenhagen. Now, it’s happening again – but on an even grander scale. In tough competition with other cities, World Athletics has chosen the Danish capital as the host city for the World Road Running Championships in 2026. When it happens, the sound of running shoes will resonate throughout the entire city.

Where there were 30,000 participants in the half marathon in 2014, there will be room for 35,000 runners in 2026. From the Royal Run, the well-known and highly popular distances of one mile (1.609 km) and 5 kilometers are included in the World Championships package, with participation from 10,000 and 20,000 runners respectively. In total, up to 65,000 runners are expected to take part in the festivities.

“With a strong city brand, a leading position in the green transition, and extensive expertise in utilizing urban spaces for hosting events, Copenhagen stands as one of the foremost event cities worldwide. And we are very excited to welcome athletes and their friends and families to the World Road Running Championships in Copenhagen in 2026,” says Mikkel Aarø-Hansen, CEO at Wonderful Copenhagen

A people’s celebration for the whole city

Even though the starting gun won’t sound for a while, we can already reveal the first winner of the event: Copenhagen. The WRRC align with several major sports experiences in Denmark, uniting runners from the whole world from all walks of life.

“It is hard to keep the excitement down right now, as the World Road Running Championships once again are set to be staged in Copenhagen. Just as the Tour de France departure last year united and thrilled everyone across the country, I am convinced that the 2026 Championships will create a unique and fantastic celebration as well, whether you are a recreational participant or a spectator,” says Lars Lundov, CEO of Sport Event Denmark.

A World Championship for everyone

It’s not just the number of participants that will grow; the event itself will too. While the World Road Running Championships in 2014 took place on a single day in March, the WRRC 2026 will span a full running week in September. Throughout the week, there will be pop-up runs and events spread across the city, building up to the weekend’s main events: the iconic one-mile race and an exciting 5 kilometer run on Saturday, before the Copenhagen streets set the stage for the highlight on Sunday: the half marathon distance.

The World Championships event will be incorporated into the annual Copenhagen Half Marathon which in 2026 will be presented as a special edition with the world’s best runners gathered across the three distances.

In addition to benefiting the capital city, the World Road Running Championships will also strengthen national athletics and running associations.

We are both thrilled and honored to be chosen to host the World Road Running Championships 2026”, commented Simone Frandsen, President of Danish Athletics, and elaborates:

Following our successful introduction of recreational runners in the 2014 World Half Marathon Championships and the acclaimed 2019 World Cross Country Championships, we once again pledge our dedication to design a spectacular experience. We couldn’t be more excited to stage the WRRC 2026 as we continue to contribute moving the sport forward.”

Something truly special about the World Road Running Championships is that the race is not just for the elite. Ordinary runners get a unique opportunity to follow in the footsteps of the world’s best athletes on a certified World Championships route through the beautiful streets of Copenhagen.

And even after the professionals leave, the route will remain. The plan is for it to be taken over by CPH Half, allowing this event to grow even bigger – to the delight of runners from Denmark, Europe, and the rest of the world.

The World Road Running Championships in Copenhagen 2026 is a collaboration between Copenhagen Municipality, Sport Event Denmark, Wonderful Copenhagen, Danish Athletics, and Sparta Athletics & Running.

Registration for the World Road Running Championships 2026 opens in 2025.

Facts from the World Road Running Championships in Copenhagen, 2014:

Fastest half marathon in the world in 2014 92 participating nations with 2,382 foreign runners Estimated spectator count: 200,000

Facts about CPH Half:

Established as a legacy of the 2014 World Road Running Championships

Holds an international World Athletics Gold Label event status and is widely recognized as one of the world’s premier half marathon races

Part of the “SuperHalfs” race series, consisting of a selection of the world’s leading half marathon races

Since its first edition in 2015, CPH Half has had the most runners breaking the 60-minute barrier. In 2022, 15 runners achieved this, setting a world record.

In 2019, Kenyan Geoffrey Kamworor returned to Copenhagen, where he became a world champion in 2014, setting a new world record of 58:01 over the distance.

Former hosts of the World Road Running Championships:

2010: Nanning (China)

2012: Kavarna (Bulgaria)

2014: Copenhagen (Denmark)

2016: Cardiff (United Kingdom)

2018: Valencia (Spain)

2020: Gdynia (Poland)

2023: Riga (Latvia)

2026: Copenhagen (Denmark)

Runners in shout out: Want the World Athletics World Half Marathon back in Copenhagen

Press release Sparta

Copenhagen revisited! The World Half Marathon 2026 in Denmark? Thousands of runners join in a shout-out in support of the Danish bid for the World Athletic Road Running Championships 2026.

This weekend, the Copenhagen-based athletic club, Sparta, is mobilizing its many thousands of recreational runners in a joint message to World Athletics: Running the World Half Marathon in Copenhagen in 2026 would be a dream come true. Sparta is thus calling on runners to support the Danish bid for the World Athletics Road Running Championships 2026.

In recent years, Copenhagen and Denmark have made a significant international footprint by hosting sporting events. Countries worldwide have particularly noticed the public and festive celebration of sports like road running. The joyous celebration is a strong argument in the bid for the World Athletics Road Running Championships 2026 from Sparta, Danish Athletics, Sport Event Denmark, Wonderful Copenhagen, and Copenhagen.

“You may say that the World Half Marathon in 2014 was the start of a new era for running in Denmark, where elite and recreational participants race together. With the World Half, Danish running events took a giant step forward. It was a huge success with 30,000 recreational runners and sold out during the first week. Allowing recreational runners to participate in the championships started here. It is something that has later spread to other sports and now also the Olympics. Next year, in Paris, 20,000 runners will join the Olympic marathon,” says Dorte Vibjerg, CEO of Sparta.

The World Athletics Road Running Championships 2026 consists of the World Half Marathon, 5 km, and the one Mile. The Danish bid invites the World of Running to a week-long running festival in the heart of Copenhagen. Recreational runs for all ages, conferences, seminars, and the two world championship days. 

It is a World Championship that many nations would like to host, so it is by no means given that Denmark will run with the victory.

“We know that many people dream of running the World Half Marathon in Copenhagen again. Now, we give all these runners a voice in a joint call on social media. With the Danish bid, we are up against several strong nations. We can in no way announce ourselves as favorites to host. Still, we can do everything we can to draw attention to Denmark as a nation of runners at all levels. We have outstanding examples of the Danes being crazy about recreational runs. Just look at the Royal Run, the DHL Stafetten Copenhagen, and our just sold-out CPH Half. Together with Sport Event Denmark, Wonderful Copenhagen, Copenhagen, and Danish Athletics, we have put together a bid for the World Athletics Road Running Championships 2026, which includes both recreational and elite races, seminars, clinics, and a festive setting in the heart of Copenhagen,” says Dorte Viberg and continues

“And foreigners flock to Copenhagen. 50% of the participants in the Copenhagen Marathon 2024 are from abroad. 40% of the participants CPH Half are also from abroad. We are ready to support another major sporting event.”

While Sparta has reported it sold out for the CPH Half in September, work is now being done on the last parts of the Danish presentation and bid for the World Athletics Road Running Championships 2026. The biggest argument for hosting the event in Copenhagen is the runners; it will be their peak if Copenhagen is awarded the championships in 2026.

The candidates present their bids on Tuesday; selection will take place in the coming weeks, with a final decision on August 16 or 17.

In 2024, the Danish capital hosts the ISA  SUP World Championships, where the best athletes will compete in the very  heart of Copenhagen.  In 2017, they also competed for the World titles in Copenhagen. Now, they are returning after the event has been staged in China, El Salvador, and Puerto Rico.

The combination of clean blue water in Copenhagen’s canals, as well as an arena in the heart of the capital with a great focus on green transformation and popular activation, has contributed to the fact that  he International Surfing Association (ISA), awards the SUP World Championships to Copenhagen for the second time.

ISA President, Fernando Aguerre, said: 

“After the amazing success of last year’s event in Puerto Rico, we are very excited to bring our SUP World Championships to two great nations with a strong tradition in Stand Up paddling and surfing. 

“With this announcement, the ISA reaffirms its full commitment to the global growth and development of this discipline, also at an Olympic level. 

“Our message to the SUP athletes around the world and to the global SUP community is, we continue to support you and work hard to create a platform to showcase your talents and this fantastic sport. 

“Together with our partners in France and Denmark, I have no doubt that we will see new records of participation and growth for the event and the sport in 2023 and 2024.”

Surf & SUP Denmark, together with the Municipality of Copenhagen, Wonderful Copenhagen, and Sport Event Denmark, has been awarded the championship from ISA in 2024.

“We plan for at least 60 nations to participate in these SUP World Championships displaying Copenhagen to many corners of the World. The pictures from 2017 with the world’s best SUP athletes in front of the Opera House are still vivid in the memory of a fantastic World Championship  – for the sport and Denmark. In collaboration with the Municipality of Copenhagen, Wonderful Copenhagen, and Sport Event Denmark, we are looking forward to adding even more activation to the event and focusing even more on sustainable hosting,” said Jakob Færch, president of Surf & SUP Denmark.

In addition to the World Championship  itself, there are plans for  a popular and festive setting in the city, with the  ambition also to stage one of the world’s largest recreational SUP events, Copenhagen SUP Crossing. The event will be part of “Copenhagen City Paddle Festival,” including many activities for all ages. Watching the elite  athletes compete in Copenhagen will also be free.

Sport Event Denmark
“The fact that Copenhagen stage SUP World Championship for the second time is unique. Regard it’s as a host you want to return to in Denmark. For Surf & SUP Denmark, the Municipality of Copenhagen, Wonderful Copenhagen, and Sport Event Denmark, it allows us to draw on the many experiences we have in setting a festive scene with a professional set-up that can unite people,” said Lars Lundov, CEO, Sport Event Denmark.

Wonderful Copenhagen
“We are thrilled  to attract the SUP World Championships to Denmark’s capital in collaboration with Surf & SUP Denmark, the Municipality of Copenhagen, and Sport Event Denmark.  Events are an important part of big-city tourism. The SUP Worlds take place in the autumn and both in the city and out on the beach of Amager. This is a good example of how events can contribute to attracting visitors outside the high season,” said Mikkel Aarø-Hansen, managing director of Wonderful Copenhagen.

City of Copenhagen
“It is my ambition that we can offer sporting and cultural events every year to Copenhageners and our visitors. Events that bring us together. Therefore, it is really gratifying that we will once again welcome some of the world’s best surfers at the World Championships in Copenhagen. It is both an opportunity to show our fantastic harbor and clean bathing water to the world, and a great pleasure for Copenhageners who love water sports. It is crucial that the big events in Copenhagen also involve Copenhageners and offer a positive experience for everyone,” says Lord Mayor of Copenhagen, Sophie Hæstorp Andersen.

As the first ever Danish host city, Aarhus can look back on 11 successful days hosting The Ocean Race. Thursday, June 8, the spectacular boats continued their race around the world with the next destination being The Hague and were waved goodbye by thousands of happy Danes both on land and at sea.

June 8 is World Ocean Day. Quite fittingly, it was also the day when the spectacular, high-tech Ocean Race boats left the harbor area in Aarhus to great applause from the large audience and set off on the next stage of the worldwide ocean race, which is considered the world’s toughest test of a team in sports.

In addition to the visit from the impressive boats and two well-run In-Port Races on Sunday, June 4, The Ocean Race Stopover in Aarhus offered a great public celebration lasting 11 days, welcomed two boat classes (IMOCA and VO65), created an experience island with a major focus on sustainability projects and presented lots of fun and educational free activities for the whole family.

An enthusiastic Mayor looks back on the event:

“The Ocean Race Stopover in Aarhus went well and was a great success. With such a mega event, we bring the whole world to Aarhus, both in the form of foreign guests and extensive media coverage of the event. In addition to a natural focus on sailing, we have used our status as host city as a catalyst for discussing the continued need for green transition and new solutions. At the same time, the event was a great public celebration in a fantastic setting in the harbor area, for example on our Sustainability Island on Pier 2, where schoolchildren and families have had the opportunity to engage with inspiring sustainability projects,” said Jacob Bundsgaard, Mayor of Aarhus.

The city’s Mayor of Sports is thrilled with hosting The Ocean Race:

“I am delighted that we in Aarhus have once again proven that we excel at hosting major international events. The Ocean Race Stopover in Aarhus has been 11 excellent days of world-class sailing, thousands of happy guests of all ages, more than 600 fantastic volunteers and, for the first time in Denmark, two spectacular drone shows, which fully lived up to the high expectations and were a great alternative to fireworks. We should be proud of yet another well-run event which resonates in the rest of the world,” said Rabih Azad-Ahmad, Mayor of Sports, Culture and Citizen Services in Aarhus Municipality.

The Director of national partner Sport Event Denmark shares his praises:

“Five stars to Aarhus Municipality and The Ocean Race organization for embracing and prioritizing green transition and consideration for the world’s oceans to such a high and magnificent degree, as has been the case with this event. It is nothing short of world class, and clearly an example for others to follow, be it host cities or international event rights holders,” said Lars Lundov, Director, Sport Event Denmark.

Facts:

• Between 350,000 and 400,000 experienced The Ocean Race Stopover in Aarhus.
• More than 10,000 people spread over around 1,000 spectator boats were in the Bay of Aarhus Bay during the 11 days.
• More than 600 volunteers involved before, during and after the event – ​​both on land and on water.
• The event featured Denmark’s first ever drone show – a show with 200 drones.
• Three summits were held during the event: The Ocean Race Summit – with the participation of Minister for Finance Nicolai Wammen – a Business Summit, and the Ocean Youth Summit – a conference for young people created by other young people.
• Great parade sailings: Fleets of (sailing) boats from local sailing clubs in the inner harbour.
• Sustainability Island – a popular learning and inspiration area on Pier 2.
• More than 7,000 school children took part in learning courses on Sustainability Island and around the event site – in addition, there were many daily visits from daycare centers and schools, which took part in various open activities with a focus on learning and playing.
• Around 100 accredited journalists/photographers.

Danish city of Aarhus bids farewell to The Ocean Race

As the first ever Danish host city, Aarhus can look back on 11 successful days hosting The Ocean Race. Thursday, June 8, the spectacular boats continued their race around the world with the next destination being The Hague and were waved goodbye by thousands of happy Danes both on land and at sea.

June 8 is World Ocean Day. Quite fittingly, it was also the day when the spectacular, high-tech Ocean Race boats left the harbor area in Aarhus to great applause from the large audience and set off on the next stage of the worldwide ocean race, which is considered the world’s toughest test of a team in sports.

In addition to the visit from the impressive boats and two well-run In-Port Races on Sunday, June 4, The Ocean Race Stopover in Aarhus offered a great public celebration lasting 11 days, welcomed two boat classes (IMOCA and VO65), created an experience island with a major focus on sustainability projects and presented lots of fun and educational free activities for the whole family.

An enthusiastic Mayor looks back on the event:

“The Ocean Race Stopover in Aarhus went well and was a great success. With such a mega event, we bring the whole world to Aarhus, both in the form of foreign guests and extensive media coverage of the event. In addition to a natural focus on sailing, we have used our status as host city as a catalyst for discussing the continued need for green transition and new solutions. At the same time, the event was a great public celebration in a fantastic setting in the harbor area, for example on our Sustainability Island on Pier 2, where schoolchildren and families have had the opportunity to engage with inspiring sustainability projects,” said Jacob Bundsgaard, Mayor of Aarhus.

The city’s Mayor of Sports is thrilled with hosting The Ocean Race:

“I am delighted that we in Aarhus have once again proven that we excel at hosting major international events. The Ocean Race Stopover in Aarhus has been 11 excellent days of world-class sailing, thousands of happy guests of all ages, more than 600 fantastic volunteers and, for the first time in Denmark, two spectacular drone shows, which fully lived up to the high expectations and were a great alternative to fireworks. We should be proud of yet another well-run event which resonates in the rest of the world,” said Rabih Azad-Ahmad, Mayor of Sports, Culture and Citizen Services in Aarhus Municipality.

The Director of national partner Sport Event Denmark shares his praises:

“Five stars to Aarhus Municipality and The Ocean Race organization for embracing and prioritizing green transition and consideration for the world’s oceans to such a high and magnificent degree, as has been the case with this event. It is nothing short of world class, and clearly an example for others to follow, be it host cities or international event rights holders,” said Lars Lundov, Director, Sport Event Denmark.

Facts:

• Between 350,000 and 400,000 experienced The Ocean Race Stopover in Aarhus.
• More than 10,000 people spread over around 1,000 spectator boats were in the Bay of Aarhus Bay during the 11 days.
• More than 600 volunteers involved before, during and after the event – ​​both on land and on water.
• The event featured Denmark’s first ever drone show – a show with 200 drones.
• Three summits were held during the event: The Ocean Race Summit – with the participation of Minister for Finance Nicolai Wammen – a Business Summit, and the Ocean Youth Summit – a conference for young people created by other young people.
• Great parade sailings: Fleets of (sailing) boats from local sailing clubs in the inner harbour.
• Sustainability Island – a popular learning and inspiration area on Pier 2.
• More than 7,000 school children took part in learning courses on Sustainability Island and around the event site – in addition, there were many daily visits from daycare centers and schools, which took part in various open activities with a focus on learning and playing.
• Around 100 accredited journalists/photographers.

Today, the medals for the ICF Canoe Marathon World Championships got a historic transport on the old water way in Denmark. The happening is a way of unfolding the narrative of the event, which takes place on Lake Jels in Denmark in September.

The ICF Canoe Marathon World Championships 2023 in Denmark has a payoff  ‘Join the Vikings’ and a vast side event builds on the viking theme. The narrative unfolded today, when the medals took a ride on a genuine viking ship up along the old water way to Lake Jels.

Lake Jels is one of three interconnected lakes. Together they form a small subglacial stream trench, which was created approx. 12000 years ago during the latest glacial age. And for the event, there will also be strong references to Danish history. The Viking culture was influenced by the difficult living conditions dictated by nature. The Denmark Vikings were highly skilled sailors and travelers.

“Today’s little happening shows how we plan for major, international events. For us, it’s about a 360-degree approach to the Worlds, and naturally embrace the basic story about the unrivaled masters on the water – the Vikings. Together with Vejen Municipality, the Triangle Area Denmark, and Sport Event Denmark, the course is now set towards the ICF Canoe Marathon World Championships,” says Christian Jacobsen, director of the Danish Canoe Federation.

In Sport Event Denmark, event management also means setting a popular, festive – and, in today’s case – historical framework for gold, silver, and bronze medals:

“In Sport Event Denmark, we work with federations and host cities on the event narrative and how it can unfold. When Vikings sail the world championship medals along the historic waterway from Ribe to Jels, it is an excellent example of this,” says Lars Lundov, CEO, Sport Event Denmark, who for many years has worked closely with the Danish Canoe Federation.

The Danish Canoe Federation, Sport Event Denmark, SportsCenter Denmark, the Triangle Events, and the Vejen Municipality welcome the canoe world elite to the 2023 ICF Canoe Marathon World Championships.

The World Championships will take place in a unique and traditional setting at Lake Jels in the municipality of Vejen, Denmark. Participants and spectators will get a special experience in one of Denmark’s central Viking areas where, to this day, many of the proud Viking traditions are passionately displayed. With an innovative approach to old traditions, we create a focus on health, Nordic food, and sustainability.

The beautiful surroundings on and around Lake Jels will form the framework for the competitions whereas Sportscenter Denmark will be a vibrant Athlete Village catering to all the needs for the athletes’ stay.

Transporting the World Championship medals the Viking Way in Denmark

Today, the medals for the ICF Canoe Marathon World Championships got a historic transport on the old water way in Denmark. The happening is a way of unfolding the narrative of the event, which takes place on Lake Jels in Denmark in September.

The ICF Canoe Marathon World Championships 2023 in Denmark has a payoff  ‘Join the Vikings’ and a vast side event builds on the viking theme. The narrative unfolded today, when the medals took a ride on a genuine viking ship op along the old water way to Lake Jels

Lake Jels is one of three interconnected lakes. Together they form a small subglacial stream trench, which was created approx. 12000 years ago during the latest glacial age. And for the event, there will also be strong references to Danish history. The Viking culture was influenced by the difficult living conditions dictated by nature. The Denmark Vikings were highly skilled sailors and travelers.

“Today’s little happening shows how we plan for major, international events. For us, it’s about a 360-degree approach to the Worlds, and naturally embrace the basic story about the unrivaled masters on the water – the Vikings. Together with Vejen Municipality, the Triangle Area Denmark, and Sport Event Denmark, the course is now set towards the ICF Canoe Marathon World Championships,” says Christian Jacobsen, director of the Danish Canoe Federation.

In Sport Event Denmark, event management also means setting a popular, festive – and, in today’s case – historical framework for gold, silver, and bronze medals:

“In Sport Event Denmark, we work with federations and host cities on the event narrative and how it can unfold. When Vikings sail the world championship medals along the historic waterway from Ribe to Jels, it is an excellent example of this,” says Lars Lundov, CEO, Sport Event Denmark, who for many years has worked closely with the Danish Canoe Federation.

The Danish Canoe Federation, Sport Event Denmark, SportsCenter Denmark, the Triangle Events, and the Vejen Municipality welcome the canoe world elite to the 2023 ICF Canoe Marathon World Championships.

The World Championships will take place in a unique and traditional setting at Lake Jels in the municipality of Vejen, Denmark. Participants and spectators will get a special experience in one of Denmark’s central Viking areas where, to this day, many of the proud Viking traditions are passionately displayed. With an innovative approach to old traditions, we create a focus on health, Nordic food, and sustainability.

The beautiful surroundings on and around Lake Jels will form the framework for the competitions whereas Sportscenter Denmark will be a vibrant Athlete Village catering to all the needs for the athletes’ stay.

Tour De France started in Denmark last summer, and it’s not over yet. June 24 all cycling enthusiasts can join and enjoy the magnificent cycling country of Denmark. L’Etape Denmark by Tour de France is there to stay.

Summer ’22 was a landmark for Denmark and Danish cycling. 1,6 million spectators joined the festive celebration of cycling along the route as the Tour de France started in Denmark. The celebrating the world’s greatest cycling race, the Tour de France, in one of the greatest cycling nations, Denmark. No less.

A strong legacy has been created by The Grand Depart in Denmark and this summer, more cycling is on the agenda when talking about Denmark as a sporting event nation.

Denmark’s largest annually occurring cycling event Hærvejsløbet – The Viking Gran Fondo has reached an agreement with the Tour de France organizers ASO about a Danish edition of the L’Etape by Tour de France sportive series.

“At ASO, Tour de France organizer, we are very happy to have L’Etape by Tour de France series coming to Denmark. After the amazing success of the Tour de France Grand Départ in the country, it looked like an evidence for us to have a L’Etape by Tour de France event on Danish roads,” said Christian Prudhomme, Tour de France general director at the announcement of the event.

“The Tour de France has a huge attraction and fascination. Together with Viborg Municipality and Sport Event Denmark we now add to Hærvejsløbet – The Viking Gran Fondo. This will give participants a unique opportunity to feel almost like a Tour de France rider for a day. We look forward to sharing this experience and showcasing our beautiful country to national as well as international riders,” said Race director Magnus Korsgaard Nielsen. Participants are going on an epic ride from A to B along the natural ridge that was formed during the last ice age. Here, an ancient road has over the centuries helped migrants, pilgrims, merchants and Vikings stay dry as they made their way through Denmark. Now, the cyclists are the latest addition to travelers on the road.

One of the public partners is Sport Event Denmark, which is the national sporting organization.

”In Denmark, cycling is the  heart and soul. Everyday cycling is a way of life in Denmark and part of the Danish DNA. In Denmark, people bicycle in all types of weather and at all times of year. Bicycles are used for pleasure, commuting, transport of goods, and family travel. Denmark has a strong tradition within cycling events, and l’Etape is a great legacy from the Grand Depart Tour de France,” said Lars Lundov, CEO Sport Event Denmark.

“We promote Denmark as a country with unique outdoor activities where everybody can join and come together while being active. Especially when it comes to cycling, we have an extraordinary infrastructure which makes it easy to get around and discover Denmark by bike. Gradually, the knowledge of Denmark being a cycling country has increased and given us a great image among tourists whether they already have a deep interest in cycling or just enjoy a ride to the beach or grocery stores. L’etape Denmark by Tour de France is another great chapter in the fairy tale of Denmark being a cycling country with a special cycling culture which hopefully can inspire tourists from abroad to bring their bike and set the end-destination to Jutland in Denmark,” said Erik Mortensen, leader of Global Brand and Business Development at VisitDenmark.

Facts on l’Etape Denmark:

Date: June 24 2023

Routes:  https://denmark.letapebytourdefrance.com/

Registration: : https://www.sportstiming.dk/event/11469

The dreams of bringing the 2028 Gravel World Championship to Denmark remain intact after Blåvand, Denmark successfully hosted the UCI Gravel Challenge last week. 

In close collaboration with the Danish Cycling Federation and the city of Silkeborg, Sport Event Denmark is working on bringing more joy to cycling fans in Denmark. Currently, a  bid for the 2028 Gravel World Championships in Silkeborg is in the pipeline.

 The optimism has only  increased after this weekend’s UCI Gravel Challenge on Danish soil.

The westernmost spot in Denmark, Blåvand, hosted an eventful UCI Gravel World Series race. The riders were challenged by cold winds and muddy conditions during the race, where the route also led them past beautiful Danish nature, a military training ground, and the epic beach.

As a part of the UCI Gravel Series, the race was an opportunity for the riders to qualify for the coming World Championships in Italy later this year. This naturally increased the motivation in the peloton, where both male and female riders were represented. 

After the 160km, three Danish riders were the first to cross the line in the men’s race. Tobias Kongstad from Pas Normal Studios ended on top of the podium, followed by Frederik Muff from Coloquick, who finished second, and Jacob Hindsgaul from UNO-X in third place.

In the women’s race, the Dutch Tessa Neefies from Liv Racing Collective was the fastest rider. In contrast, Klara Sofie Skovgård Hansen from Danish Mountainbike Club finished second, and Nöa Jansen from JEGG DJR Academy doubled the Dutch representation on the podium by crossing the line in third position.

The hosts were pleased to experience great interest and support during the weekend. They thank all participants, volunteers, and partners for contributing to making it a successful UCI Gravel World Series race. The excitement towards next year’s race has already begun. 

In Sport Event Denmark, CEO Lars Lundov is pleased with the race and the years to come: 

 “The UCI Gravel Challenge Blåvandshuk hosted a relatively new and fast-growing cycling discipline this weekend, Gravel. Both elite and recreational  riders tried the route in the beautiful nature where the elite also chased  a qualification for the coming World Championships. And with the World Championships in mind, we are working alongside the Danish Cycling Federation, and the city of Silkeborg on a bid for  the 2028 Gravel World Championships, which we are very excited about.”

The UCI Gravel Challenge in Denmark creates optimism before bidding for the UCI World Championships in 2028 

The dreams of bringing the 2028 Gravel World Championship to Denmark remain intact after Blåvand, Denmark successfully hosted the UCI Gravel Challenge last week. 

In close collaboration with the Danish Cycling Federation and the city of Silkeborg, Sport Event Denmark is working on bringing more joy to cycling fans in Denmark. Currently, a  bid for the 2028 Gravel World Championships in Silkeborg is in the pipeline.

 The optimism has only  increased after this weekend’s UCI Gravel Challenge on Danish soil.

The westernmost spot in Denmark, Blåvand, hosted an eventful UCI Gravel World Series race. The riders were challenged by cold winds and muddy conditions during the race, where the route also led them past beautiful Danish nature, a military training ground, and the epic beach.

As a part of the UCI Gravel Series, the race was an opportunity for the riders to qualify for the coming World Championships in Italy later this year. This naturally increased the motivation in the peloton, where both male and female riders were represented. 

After the 160km, three Danish riders were the first to cross the line in the men’s race. Tobias Kongstad from Pas Normal Studios ended on top of the podium, followed by Frederik Muff from Coloquick, who finished second, and Jacob Hindsgaul from UNO-X in third place.

In the women’s race, the Dutch Tessa Neefies from Liv Racing Collective was the fastest rider. In contrast, Klara Sofie Skovgård Hansen from Danish Mountainbike Club finished second, and Nöa Jansen from JEGG DJR Academy doubled the Dutch representation on the podium by crossing the line in third position.

The hosts were pleased to experience great interest and support during the weekend. They thank all participants, volunteers, and partners for contributing to making it a successful UCI Gravel World Series race. The excitement towards next year’s race has already begun. 

In Sport Event Denmark, CEO Lars Lundov is pleased with the race and the years to come: 

 “The UCI Gravel Challenge Blåvandshuk hosted a relatively new and fast-growing cycling discipline this weekend, Gravel. Both elite and recreational  riders tried the route in the beautiful nature where the elite also chased  a qualification for the coming World Championships. And with the World Championships in mind, we are working alongside the Danish Cycling Federation, and the city of Silkeborg on a bid for  the 2028 Gravel World Championships, which we are very excited about.”

Press release

Thisted Powerlifting Club turns 40 this year and is ‘still going strong.’ On the occasion of the round birthday, they were also the organizers of the European Equipped Powerlifting Championships, EEPC,  this week.

There was a great atmosphere at the venue, and today the club and the partners Danish Powerlifting Federation, Thisted Municipality, and Sport Event Denmark all declare the event for well staged.  The European champions have been crowned, the European Congress has been held, and powerlifting, and Denmark have been put on the world map.

The EEPC  was staged this week in Thisted, Denmark. Two hundred athletes and 130 leaders and officials from 21 European countries had announced their arrival to compete for titles and medals. Denmark and Thisted Powerlifting Club have organized international powerlifting championships five times since 1989.

“The European championships in Thisted 2-7 May turns out to be a huge success to the organizers as well as the lifters. A big congratulation to the organizers headed by Jan Lyhne,” said EPF President,” said Arnulf Wahlstrøm, EPF president.

Just like the European Federation, the Danish Powerlifting Federation is also content with the well staged event:

“The Danish Powerlifting Federation and Thisted Powerlifting Club have set high goals for the EEPC. EPF has given top marks for organization, event setup, sporting performance, logistics, and good company. Nice,” said Klaus Brostrøm, president, Danish Powerlifting Association.

There is also a great satisfaction from the partners:

“Congratulations to all the European champions. Congratulations to the local club, the national federation, and Thisted for the hosting of the EEPF. Denmark and powerlifting was in focus this week,” said Lars Lundov, CEO, Sport Event Denmark.

And from the host city:

”Congratulations to the European champions and the many medal winners who have given their best in the competitions. And at the same time, a big thank you goes out to the many volunteers from Thisted Powerlifting Club who have spent  time and put in effort into creating the set-up for yet another European Championship. I look forward to – hopefully once again – welcoming you all back. In any case, you are welcome,” said the mayor of Thisted Municipality, Nils Jørgen Pedersen.

EUROPEAN EQUIPPED POWERLIFTING CHAMPIONSHIPS, OPEN, SUB-JUNIOR & JUNIOR received top marks in all disciplines

Thisted Powerlifting Club turns 40 this year and is ‘still going strong.’ On the occasion of the round birthday, they were also the organizers of the European Equipped Powerlifting Championships, EEPC,  this week.

There was a great atmosphere at the venue, and today the club and the partners Danish Powerlifting Federation, Thisted Municipality, and Sport Event Denmark all declare the event for well staged.  The European champions have been crowned, the European Congress has been held, and powerlifting, and Denmark have been put on the world map.

The EEPC  was staged this week in Thisted, Denmark. Two hundred athletes and 130 leaders and officials from 21 European countries had announced their arrival to compete for titles and medals. Denmark and Thisted Powerlifting Club have organized international powerlifting championships five times since 1989.

“The European championships in Thisted 2-7 May turns out to be a huge success to the organizers as well as the lifters. A big congratulation to the organizers headed by Jan Lyhne,” said EPF President,” said Arnulf Wahlstrøm, EPF president.

Just like the European Federation, the Danish Powerlifting Federation is also content with the well staged event:

“The Danish Powerlifting Federation and Thisted Powerlifting Club have set high goals for the EEPC. EPF has given top marks for organization, event setup, sporting performance, logistics, and good company. Nice,” said Klaus Brostrøm, president, Danish Powerlifting Association.

There is also a great satisfaction from the partners:

“Congratulations to all the European champions. Congratulations to the local club, the national federation, and Thisted for the hosting of the EEPF. Denmark and powerlifting was in focus this week,” said Lars Lundov, CEO, Sport Event Denmark.

And from the host city:

”Congratulations to the European champions and the many medal winners who have given their best in the competitions. And at the same time, a big thank you goes out to the many volunteers from Thisted Powerlifting Club who have spent  time and put in effort into creating the set-up for yet another European Championship. I look forward to – hopefully once again – welcoming you all back. In any case, you are welcome,” said the mayor of Thisted Municipality, Nils Jørgen Pedersen.

PRESS RELEASE

Denmark has set a world spectator record at the Men’s U19 World Floorball Championships in Frederikshavn, Denmark. 16 teams from all over the world and visiting spectators contributed to an international atmosphere both in the city center and at the host venue, Arena Nord.

Never before have so many spectators attended the Men’s U19 World Floorball Championship matches as have done over this week in Frederikshavn. According to the International Floorball Federation (IFF), the spectator total for the event was 18,316, breaking the previous record of 16,477 which was set in Hamburg, Germany, in 2013 . The total number is calculated using the spectator numbers for each match. A total of 36 matches were played by the 16 participating nations.

An international youth championship with a high sporting level and great audience encourages you to want more.  President of Floorball Denmark, Steen Houman, said:

“Congratulations to the new world champions, Sweden. Congratulations to the Danish national team. Congratulations to floorball. A huge thanks to everyone who supported as spectators or all our volunteers. The Men’s U19 World Floorball Championships will give our organization valuable experience to fulfil our ambition for Floorball Denmark to host international senior championships. Without our trusted partners –  Sport Event Denmark, Arena Nord and Frederikshavn Municipality – we would not have been able to stage the event.”

The partners behind the Men’s U19 World Floorball Championships also look back on a well-staged championships:

“Floorball and Frederikshavn are a match! The Men’s U19 World Floorball Championships prove it.  In addition to exciting matches in Arena Nord, the setting also provided a positive experience for all those who were not hardcore fans, but attended to have a festive day,” said Lars Lundov, CEO, Sport Event Denmark.

The host city, Frederikshavn, has a clear strategy to attract and host large, international championships together with national federations, and Sport Event Denmark. This year alone, the city will host two World Championships: the Men’s U19 World Floorball Championships, and in December the IHF Women’s World Championships for handball.

“We love having guests who create atmosphere and joy in our municipality. It has been a pleasure to be the host city for Men’s U19 World Floorball Championships and to experience the fan culture around the sport of floorball – both on and off the court,” said Mayor Birgit S. Hansen, Frederikshavn Municipality.

Photos for editorial use: