ABOUT

DHL Relay Copenhagen first saw the light of day in 1981 after Niels Jørgen Holdt from Sparta got the idea on an inspirational trip to the USA.

The first Danish corporate relay attracted 134 teams who ran to the finish line over a chalk line drawn across one of the gravel paths in Fælledparken.

Today, DHL Relay Copenhagen has grown to be Denmark’s largest – and one of the world’s largest – exercise events, taking place every year in August (week 35).

Not only the size, but also the core of the event is unique. DHL Relay Copenhagen’s celebration of the short distance between employees and managers is unique to Denmark and the only one of its kind in the world.

From 134 to 30,000 teams
From 134 teams in 1981, the relay has grown to no less than 30,000 teams in 2024. 150,000 runners and walkers from 2,800 different companies participated.

The DHL name was born in 1991
When the transportation and logistics company DHL became the main sponsor in 1991, the race was named DHL Stafetten København.

Nonprofit exercise event
The profits go to Sparta’s work to develop running events and ensure good conditions for both children, young people and adults who practice running and athletics in the association.