Severe weather creates chaos at Copenhagen Half-Marathon

The severe weather conditions from the Copenhagen Half-Marathon in Denmark was the scene from a runners’ nightmare.

The popular event featuring more than 20,000 runners started off under clear skies but things took a quick turn for the worst as severe lightning, rain, hail and even snow fell on the Danish capital. Flooding at the finish line was so bad that timing mats began floating away, as can be seen in this story’s featured videos.

Thanks to all participants, supporters, citizens, volunteers and preparedness for an extraordinary effort at yesterday's #cphhalf ? pic.twitter.com/khiZzBV2jw

— cphhalf (@cphhalf) September 18, 2017

The race was cancelled at approximately 1:30 p.m. local time. The race posted a statement to its website which reads: “Due to thunderstorms, lightning strikes, massive hail and flooding in the starting and finish area and on parts of the course, the CPH Half was discontinued for the safety of all runners and spectators at 1:30 p.m.”

Before

IT'S ON! #cphhalf pic.twitter.com/XkngCCs6LS

— cphhalf (@cphhalf) September 17, 2017

After

The Copenhagen Half Marathon almost became a #MarathonSwim today. The timing mats were almost washed away from the finish #CPHHalf pic.twitter.com/RukofoXWSZ

— Marathon Swims (@MarathonSwims) September 17, 2017

According to a race statement, race timing was “interrupted” though race times were still registered thanks to a back-up system. The race began at 11:15 a.m. local time meaning runners on course after approximately two hours were affected by the stoppage.

A Danish website reports that a runner, a photographer and a race volunteer were hit by lightning.

Det er en flod, der har dannet sig på Øster Alle i København. Stadig ingen strøm i målområdet. pic.twitter.com/s5CvWMpJNb

— Henrik Fallesen (@hfallesen) September 17, 2017

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Jacques kom lynramt til undsætning: "Han røg fra halsen" #cphhalf #dksport https://t.co/TjqXDsUz6q pic.twitter.com/hwcjzUdGF7

— TV 2 Lorry (@tv2lorry) September 18, 2017

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https://www.instagram.com/p/BZL2o0ill9A/

https://twitter.com/FJRosberg/status/909381229811785728

The race produced a world-leading men’s time in the half-marathon as Abraham Cheroben ran 58:40. Eunice Chumba won the women’s race in 1:06:11.