Runners at the half marathon in Copenhagen left about 15 tonnes of clothing on the streets, and organizer Sparta Atletik & Løb is now handing it out for free.
According to reporting by DR, Sparta Atletik & Løb collected roughly 15 tonnes of hoodies, jackets and T-shirts along the course. That is three times as much as after last year’s half marathon in the city.
The clothing was discarded during Sunday’s race on September 20, 2026. Participants could leave their belongings in a tent for safekeeping during the run. Many still chose to throw their clothes away before starting.
Nynne Ammundsen, who is responsible for sustainability initiatives at Sparta Atletik & Løb, told DR that this is common at large races. Runners often bring a light top because they can wait more than an hour before entering the course. The weather on Sunday was cool.
Ammundsen also pointed to the size of the field. According to her, the half marathon had a record number of participants, which produced a record amount of abandoned clothing.
A free stall outside the clubhouse
The clothing is not being thrown out. In front of its clubhouse, Sparta Atletik & Løb has set up a temporary stall, a so-called Swap Spot, where the garments are hung up. Passersby can take what they want at no cost.
Ammundsen said the organizer wants to leave the city at least as tidy as it was handed over. She added that much of the clothing is undamaged, so discarding it would be a waste. Similar reuse takes place year round in Denmark’s thrift stores.
The stall opened on Monday, September 21. As DR reported on Tuesday, more than half of the collected clothing had already been taken within the first day.
Held alongside the world championships
The race was part of a larger event in the Danish capital. Organizer CPH Half Marathon confirms that the September 20 race also served as the official half marathon of the World Athletics Road Running Championships.
The championships were listed by Endorphins Running as taking place in Copenhagen on September 20, 2026. Several records were set at the championships, including a new world record and a European record in the half marathon, according to DR.
The clothing stall stands outside the Sparta Atletik & Løb clubhouse while supplies last. Ammundsen has not said what will happen to any garments left unclaimed.
