This is another marathon blog penned by Geoffrey. Please contact me if you are interested in knowing more about anything related to this Marathon event.
Over to Geoffrey …
I was looking forward to Copenhagen as alongside Valencia, it’s one of the most highly sought after marathons in Europe for serious runners due to its fast flat course. Interest in the event has increased significantly in recent years with it selling out months ahead of the day and it was announced after the run that future year’s entry registration would be through a ballot system.
Copenhagen is part if the recently formed European Marathon Classics which unites eight of Europe’s most iconic and historic city marathons. The others being Rome, Vienna, Madrid, Warsaw, Lisbon and Frankfurt. It’s an alternative and complimentary offering to the current 8 Abbott World Marathon Majors.
I took this event reasonably seriously and was fortunate to have a good and uninterrupted buildup. I also took the plunge and invested in some carbon racing shoes. I had resisted running in “carbons” since they first arrived in the running world around 6 years ago due to the cost and possible injury risk. I’ve worn custom orthotics for years and I would not be able to use these insoles in the minimalist lightweight race shoes. In the end they made a big difference in a positive way …
Elleysen and I consciously scheduled the marathon at the start of our Scandinavian holiday so that I could fully enjoy the following Baltic Sea cruise we had booked. The risk though was that I would have to manage the inevitable jetlag arising from the nearly 30hr travel from Auckland to Copenhagen and to stay healthy. I managed the travel well which included a 6km shakeout run at our transit stopover in Beijing and was disciplined with sleep times on the flights! The strategy worked a treat. There was no time to develop nerves – we stepped off the plane, checked into our hotel, caught up for dinners with our cousins Sky & Tracy and then manage a restful sleep in our hotel. Next morning we walked to the nearby expo to pick up my bib and then relaxed the rest of the day for the run the next day.
Start time was a civilized 10am and conditions were cool and overcast with little wind – i.e. perfect for running for the 22,000 runners. The loop course showcases Copenhagen’s iconic architectural landmarks but when you’re totally focused on running for a time you really can’t appreciate the sights. You do however notice the amazing crowd support which was an estimated 100,000 spectators! The course is remarkably flat with asphalt roads, very few sharp turns, and a total elevation gain of only around 15 meters. It was fantastic to see Elleysen, Sky and Tracy as the route passed outside our hotel. The run went really well – the carbon shoes were super fast and my finishing time of 4:03:30 was my fastest since covid. If it hadn’t been for the hamstring cramping over the last kms I would have gone close to a sub 4 (which I haven’t achieved in over 6 years)! I almost felt that I cheated with the shoes but I think the major benefit is how incredibly light weight they are. I also found they allowed me to run more on my mid and forefoot and that the legs recovered so much faster. I’m sure the max stack nature of the foam as well as the lighter weight has a lot to do with it and they certainly don’t work for everyone. I was even able to lace them up again 20 days later for the Stockholm Marathon …
Well earned bling!