IRONMAN IN COPENHAGEN

The organisers are surprised by the many newcomers. Furthermore, particularly many women who have chosen to take up the challenge - to swim 3.8 kilometers in the blue water, then cycle 180 km and then round the day off with a 42.2 km. marathon.

- 13-14 % of the people that have signed up this year are women. It may not sound like a lot, but compared to similar international ironman events it is quite a lot. Normally 8-9 % is women, Thomas Veje Olsen, director of Challenge Copenhagen says. 

1650 registered participants
Currently, 1650 people have signed up to Challenge Copenhagen, of which approx. 60 % are Danes, but also large groups from England and Germany have signed up. Altogether, Challenge Copenhagen received registrations from 37 nations, making it a very international event.

Thomas Veje Olsen expects the first man will cross the finish line after somewhere between 8 hours and 8 hours & 10 minutes. It will be the weather conditions on the day that determines the minutes.

Favourites to win
- This is a quick route because it is very flat, but we do not expect a world record, Thomas Veje Olsen says. He believes that among the Danish men Martin Jensen and Jimmy Johnson will do well. From abroad, he expects a lot from Australian Chris McDonald and Tim Berkel and from Canadian Luke Dragstra. 

Among the women, there are not that many on the short list, and the fastest woman is expected in after approximately 9 hours.

- One woman in particular may perhaps be a little bit faster. Spanish Virginia Berasategui Luna is our absolute star. She came in number three at the Ironman World Championships in Hawaii last year. She is really strong," Thomas Veje Olsen says and also predicts that Belinda Granger from Australia and Danish Lisbeth Kristensen will do well.

You can still sign up for the race. Challenge Copenhagen closes for registrations at 1800 participants.