The stages

Stage 1 - Frederik II

The first stage takes place at Kronborg! A single lap around the castle - one mile (1.609 km). It will be short, intense, and in the most fantastic surroundings you can imagine. Kronborg was built on the orders of Frederik II in 1574 and inaugurated 11 years later. Kronborg is one of Denmark's most popular castles and is visited by many thousands of guests every year.
Stage 2 - Christian IV

Large gravel roads! A 10 km loop in the par force hunting landscape of St. Dyrehave. The route goes up past the star, where the King used to stand during the hunt. The route continues up to the northern end of St. Dyrehave, before turning back towards the start and finish at the very southern end of the forest. The longest and fastest stage among the last four.
Stage 3 - Frederik V

8.6 km trail with hills - many hills! You'll get to enjoy 285 m of elevation gain in the magnificent forest, which will be new for many to run trails in. The start and finish are up - in the square by the disc golf course. The stage is named after Frederiksværk, which is named after Frederik V. He founded the town in 1753 as a center for Danish industry and trade. He declared Frederiksværk his "favorite child".
Stage 4 - H.M. King Frederik X

It is on this stage that we will celebrate H.M. Frederik X 👑
6 km in sand and hills in enchanting Tisvilde Hegn. The route starts along the waterfront and returns home through the forest along the old coastline. A short and very intense trail route that is guaranteed to give you good legs for the final stage! Start and finish at the large parking lot in Tisvildeleje. Perfect conditions for a dip after the run.
Stage 5 - Christian V

Pursuit start in Gribskov of 9 km. First man/woman to finish wins overall. Start and finish in the middle of Gribskov, and a trail route that goes through the forest's finest and unique areas. Past the lake Røde Dam and over the 65 m high Fruebjerg 2 times. This stage is dedicated to the father of par force hunting, Christian V, who in 1670 turned all of North Zealand into a large royal hunting ground.

"North Zealand is my garden."

- King Christian IV of Denmark.

The Runner the Kings' 5-day stage race North Zealand summer holiday family

Stage 1 - Frederik II

Where
Kronborg Castle, Helsingør.
The event area is on the southern
mole, which is called
Kronborgmolen.
Event area location
Many opportunities for parking,
find a place yourself. Remember a ticket, if
necessary. One option is on:
Nordhavnsvej

When
Wednesday 1st of July 2026. The start
is at 6:00 PM. Arrive in good time to
pick up your bib number and chip.

Distance
One Mile (1.609 km). Original and Short runner same distance. The route starts south of the castle and goes clockwise a single lap on fine gravel paths and asphalt. Good conditions. Flat shoes are recommended.
Route map - GPX

Stage 2 - Christian IV

runners finish stage race nordsjælland runners

Where
Store Dyrehave. Parking
at the event area, follow
the instructions of the parking
attendants. Drive
carefully on the small
forest road to the event
area.
Entrance from Kirkeltevej.
Google maps link

When
Thursday, July 2nd, 2026. The start is at 6:00 PM. If you have not picked up your bib number and chip on the first stage, you can pick it up before the start.

Distance
Original 10 km. Short 4 km. The route starts in the southern end of St. Dyrehave and runs exclusively on large gravel roads. Flat shoes are recommended.
Route map original - GPX
Route map short - GPX

Stage 3 - Frederik V

runners finish line stage race nordsjælland

Where
Frederiksværk Forests.
Parking at the event area by
the Disc Golf course, follow
the instructions of the parking
attendants.
Google maps link

When
Friday, July 3rd, 2026. The start
is at 6:00 PM. If you have not picked up your bib number and chip, you can pick it up before the start.

Distance
Original 8.0 km. 285 meters of elevation gain! Short 3.3 km. The route winds along small trails in the hilly forest, and you are guaranteed to experience hills you didn't think existed in North Zealand! Trail shoes with good grip are recommended.
Route map original - GPX
Route map short - GPX

Attention! Download the GPX file above 👆🏽 instead of the one on Strava, as the route on Strava diverges slightly from the one to be run.

Stage 4 - H.M. King Frederik X

Where
Tisvilde Hegn. Parking
at the large parking lot at
the end of Tisvildeleje.
It is about 400 m to walk from
the parking lot to the event area,
which is located in the forest.
There will be markings to
the event area with flags.

When
Saturday, July 4th, 2026. NOTE! The start is at 10:00 AM. If you have not picked up your bib number and chip, you can pick it up before the start.

Distance
Original 6.0 km with 135 meters of elevation gain. Short 2.7 km. The route starts along the beach and the waterline for the first 2.3 km, before turning towards the forest. Up past Harehøj (fantastic view!), and down again, where you turn onto the old coastline, and take the last approx. 100 meters home.
Route map GPX
Route map short route GPX

Stage 5 - Christian V

Where
Gribskov. Parking at the event
area, follow the parking
attendants' instructions.
Google maps link

When
Sunday, July 5th, 2026. NOTE!
First start is at 10:00 AM. If you
have not picked up your bib
number and chip, you can
pick it up before the start.

Distance
Original 9 km. Short 3.6 km. The route starts and ends at the old asphalt factory in the middle of the forest. The route goes over the 65m high Fruebjerg 2 times. Trail shoes are recommended.
Route map original - GPX
Route map short - GPX

Special Start - Pursuit Start
The times from the first 4 stages are added together. If you are the fastest overall, you get to start first on the 5th stage - with the time you are ahead of number 2. If you are behind the leading runner, you start with the time you are behind - and then the chase is on! First man/woman to cross the finish line wins overall. Those who are more than 30 minutes behind the leading runner after 4 stages will start together at 10:30 AM.