Copenhagen will be the focus point this week for the world’s triathletes and fans of the three-part endurance race.
Starting with a ‘fun run’ on Wednesday, it will then include a three-day ‘mini-triathlon’ at Amager Strand where over 5,000 participants will attempt one-tenth of a full ironman. Then on Sunday, the KMD IRONMAN kicks off with athletes from 48 different nations taking part, with more than 200,000 spectators expected along the route.
Big rewards
It is of course too late to enter this year’s race; entries for the event sell out in record time every year. For the elite athletes who made the cut, cash prizes of over 300,000 kroner and a chance to qualify for the triathlon world championship in Kona, Hawaii are at stake.
Most of the participants from 48 nations are there to challenge themselves personally by taking on a 3.8 km swim, 180 km bike leg and a full 42 km marathon through the heart of Copenhagen.
“This will be the largest KMD IRONMAN Copenhagen to date,” said race director Thomas Veje Olsen. “The pro field has never been stronger, and it will be a great experience for the participants and 200,000 spectators along the route.”
A storied route
The course passes many of Copenhagen’s landmarks, including the world-famous Opera House, the Little Mermaid, Amalienborg Palace and the Nyhavn waterfront.
The 180 km bike ride starts in central Copenhagen and winds out into northern Zealand.
Both the city and the countryside will be packed with spectators – some 150,000 are expected in the city centre area alone, so organisers are urging people to use public transport.
Drivers should expect road blocks and closed streets throughout the city on Sunday.
Couch-potato guilt spots
Amager strand, the area in and around Nyhavn and the party at the end of the bike route in Rudersdal are some of the best spots for spectators.
And of course the end-of race party at the finish line at Christiansborg Castle, one of the most spectacular finish lines in triathlon, promises to be amazing.
A complete overview of the race is available here.
