Non-profit tradition since 1981
DHL Stafetten Copenhagen is Denmark’s iconic and traditional summer party and exercise event for more than 150,000 employees and managers. And we have been since 1981.
Back then, the conditions were very modest and the finish line was a chalk line drawn on the gravel path in Fælledparken.
Today, the DHL Stafetten Copenhagen has grown to become Denmark’s largest – and one of the world’s largest – sporting events, taking place every year in August (week 35).
Not only the size, but also the core of the event is unique. DHL Stafetten København is only possible because of the Danish flat structures in the labour market, where managers can both compete against and toast with their employees.
- In its first year in 1981, 134 teams lined up at the start. 43 years later, that number had risen to 30,000 teams running and walking.
- The event was named the DHL Stafetten Copenhagen in 1991 when the transport and logistics company DHL became the main sponsor.
- The DHL Realy Copenhagen has always been a non-profit event.
Idea from US
Niels Jørgen Holdt got the idea for the relay race in the US in 1980. The race was called 5×5 until DHL became the main sponsor in 1991.
First tents i 1987
The first year, it took one day to set up the tents. Today, it takes about 14 days.
Exceptional Danish
Foreign countries have often visited the relay race, but the concept is not easy to replicate. The flat hierarchies, where managers and employees compete, are unique to Denmark.
Non-profit
The profits go towards the continued development of the relay race and towards running and athletics activities for children, young people and adults in Sparta.
