The First Race I Did Not Train For: My Copenhagen Half Marathon Experience
NYRR Contributors Circle member Victoria Fortune ran the 2025 Copenhagen Half Marathon on September 14.
Copenhagen is often described as one of the happiest cities in the world, and during my solo vacation there, I felt every bit of that spirit. The city welcomed me with open arms. As a Black woman traveling alone, I felt not just safe, but embraced. My days were filled with biking along streets designed for cyclists, popping by museums to take in amazing art and design, and enjoying meals that rank among the best I have ever eaten. The rhythm of the city made me feel alive, curious, and at ease.
And then, something unexpected happened. A few days into my trip, I was offered a bib to run the Copenhagen Half Marathon from a runner who could no longer participate. I hadn’t come to Denmark for a race, and I certainly hadn’t been training for one, but I loved that the bib could be transferred via the event’s website, giving someone else the chance to step in. For me, it was an invitation to see the city in a completely new way.
Although I hadn’t been doing long runs in months, I have been very consistent with strength training. That foundation mattered. It gave me the endurance to carry myself through 13 miles I hadn’t prepared for.
Race day was far from ideal. Rain fell steadily. I mean it was POURING and usually I despise running in the rain. But once I started, I chose to embrace every drop. It felt cleansing, almost symbolic, washing away hesitation and reminding me to simply move forward. This was also the first race I have ever run without friends or family cheering me on. The solitude gave me freedom. There was no pressure to perform, no pace to chase. I ran to the beat of my own drum and crossed the finish line at 2:01.
That time, under those conditions, was proof of something important: The athleticism never leaves you. The fight, the focus, the drive—those things remain, even when you step away from a sport. Running through Copenhagen reminded me that you can always come back to yourself, and that you are capable of more than you think.
What struck me most was the spirit of the day. People from all over the world had traveled to run, and despite the rain, the streets were filled with cheering spectators whose energy reminded me of the New York City Marathon. Every Copenhagen Half Marathon bib had the runner’s name printed on it. Hearing people I’ve never met before scream my name as I ran in the rain made the experience even more special. Although I was there alone, I didn’t actually feel… alone.
Looking back, the half marathon became the most unexpected highlight of my time in Copenhagen. It taught me that stepping outside of your comfort zone can bring surprising rewards. You don’t need perfect conditions or preparation to rise to the moment. Sometimes the best experiences come when you simply say yes. Always bet on yourself. This experience was truly sunshine and rain, all in one.
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