If you want to run with Danish royalty, get moving and register because two out of the five 2019 Royal Run events are sold out.
Last year Crown Prince Frederik celebrated his 50th birthday, and his one wish was to participate in a series of runs across the country with the people of Denmark. More than 70,000 turned out in five cities, prompting the Crown Prince to continue the race this year.
2019 is proving to be just as popular. All distances for the Aalborg race, which Crown Princess Mary will run, are sold out, as well as Aarhus, which will be run by the Crown Prince. The 10km distance for the Copenhagen/Frederiksberg race is sold out, but runners can still register for the one mile, family mile, and children’s mile.
All distances are open for the Faroe Islands and Bornholm events, although Bornholm is the only city without royal participation.
The Crown Prince will launch the Royal Run week on 1 June in the Faroe Islands, running in Klaksvík, while the remaining race dates will be on 10 June.
Runners can register on the Royal Run website.
In 2017, Crown Prince Frederik shared his plans for the race. “When I turn 50 next year, I will celebrate the day with, among other things, a run in which all of Denmark can join in. I have always very much liked sports and physical activity, and especially running. It provides enjoyment, physical well-being and energy,” he said.
“Royal Run will be a race aimed at experienced runners but equally at those who are tying up their running shoes for the first time, and all are welcome regardless of age. I hope that many people will participate in the Royal Run next year when we will run together through five of Denmark’s beautiful cities.”
According to the race’s official website, “Royal Run 2018 was a dream come true for the Crown Prince, and so the Crown Prince will repeat the success. This time not to celebrate the birthday, but to once again meet the Danes at eye level and recreate the sports community and the amazing atmosphere.”
The people of Denmark are encouraged to hold street parties and running events during the Royal Run week, 1-10 June, and the run’s website will have materials such as bibs, decorations, and medals to download from April.
The emphasis of the run is community participation and getting active rather than achieving the fastest times.
“In Royal Run, there is not necessarily a focus on getting the fastest in the goal. Instead, the overall aim is that as many people as possible participate in the sports community at their own pace and with their own individual goals,” the Royal Run website says.
“Wheelchairs, prams and pushchairs are therefore also welcome on the routes. It is not the end time that is crucial. What matters is that we all come out on the streets and create a folk party together with the Crown Prince.”
