
Odense, Denmark · Friday 29 May 2026
The Hans Christian Andersen Marathon, held annually in Odense, Denmark, is a prestigious event that honors the city's most famous son, the renowned writer and poet Hans Christian Andersen. Established in 2000, the marathon features a flat and traffic-free course, making it one of the fastest marathons in the world. In 2019, it was recognized as the world's fastest marathon, with runners averaging a finish time of just 3:51:22.\n\nThe event includes multiple distances, such as a full marathon, ha
Adjusted Time
3:53:18
Time difference: -6.7 minutes compared to a flat, road, temperate course.
Hans Christian Andersen Marathon is a full marathon held in Odense, Denmark, scheduled for Friday 29 May 2026. The course is run on road surface with 54m of total elevation gain, reaching a maximum altitude of 16m above sea level. For registration and full race details, visit the official Hans Christian Andersen Marathon website.
This is a very flat course with only 54m of total elevation gain across the full distance. The course ranges from 2m to 16m above sea level — a 14m elevation range that makes it one of the flatter races available. Runners targeting a personal best will appreciate the minimal climbing.
Based on historical weather data for May, the expected race day conditions are as follows. Near-ideal running temperatures are expected, ranging from 9°C to 18°C. This temperature range is widely considered optimal for marathon performance, allowing efficient heat dissipation without cold-related issues. There is a low chance of rain (0%), so dry conditions are likely.
Hans Christian Andersen Marathon is run on road surfaces, which provide the fastest and most predictable conditions for marathon running. Road courses allow for consistent pacing and are typically the best choice for runners targeting a personal best time.
Our difficulty rating for Hans Christian Andersen Marathon is calculated using a model that combines elevation gain, temperature impact, and surface type. Use the difficulty calculator above to enter your target finish time and see exactly how many minutes this course would add or subtract compared to a perfectly flat, cool, road-based marathon. Faster runners and slower runners are affected differently by the same course conditions, so the difficulty is personalised to your pace.
Looking for an easier marathon or a tougher challenge? You can also compare Hans Christian Andersen Marathon against other marathons to find the right race for your goals.
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