Henrik Brandt

The Great Wall Marathon 2026

Henrik Brandt — Sun, 17 May 2026 00:48:22 +0000

Saturday marked the biggest event of the year. I ran my 23rd “The Great Wall Marathon” – which also happened to be my 90th marathon overall. “Top of the shop,” as they say in bingo… and I’m definitely not brand new anymore.

The weather was on our side this year. The temperature was not as high as many other times. Despite this, the race was tough. I can definitely feel that I am getting older.

During our stay, U.S. President Donald Trump was in the country. In response to his fervent and surreal desire to take over Greenland, I chose to make a statement in support of the Kingdom of Denmark by crossing the finish line with the Danish flag in my mouth and the Faroese and Greenlandic flags in my right and left hand respectively.

I’m already looking ahead to the 2027 edition, just as I’ve done with all the previous ones. It’s not a race to just get through, but an important stepping stone towards what I hope will be a double milestone the following year: 25 “The Great Wall Marathon” finishes and 100 marathons in total.

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Korsbæk Maraton

Henrik Brandt — Sat, 28 Mar 2026 18:03:52 +0000

Today I ran my first marathon of the year, which was also my first as a retiree and number 89 of my career.
The Korsbæk Marathon was a cannonball race in northern Copenhagen. The route took us through roads, forest trails, and Denmark’s oldest and very famous amusement park. After a stretch through the woods with plenty of roe deer, we passed through a cozy little town and returned to the starting point. The route was repeated six times.
It was a cool day with light rain for most of the time. However, this did not take away from the fact that the race was truly enjoyable and beautiful.
My next challenge is in seven weeks, when it’s time for the 23rd edition of “The Great Wall Marathon.”

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The Grønboløbet – Christmas Marathon

Henrik Brandt — Sat, 06 Dec 2025 17:31:26 +0000

I’ve now reached what we jokingly call the “two fat ladies” marathon. The phrase is a playful way of referring to the number 88 and comes from old bingo slang. Whether it’s funny or just silly probably depends on who’s reading it.
The Grønboløbet Christmas Marathon – complete with Santa hats became my fifth and final marathon of the year. I reached the same number last year, and hopefully I’ll do the same for the next two years as well. So far, the plan is being held, which means I should be running my 100th marathon on May 20th, 2028. If all goes well, it will also be my 25th “Great Wall Marathon.” Two anniversary races on the same day would be something truly special.
The Grønboløbet Christmas Marathon was held in beautiful December weather along forest paths, country roads, and past a charming village church.

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Hvalsø Cannonball Marathon

Henrik Brandt — Sat, 11 Oct 2025 15:03:14 +0000

Today once again provided the opportunity to run a marathon with Danish asphalt beneath my feet.
Hvalsø Cannonball consisted of four laps in a triangular route passing through three Danish villages. Every second lap was run in the opposite direction. We ran along country roads with the sound of car engines as accompaniment, but also through small, charming villages. The temperature was pleasant, though there was a slight breeze — all in all, perfect running weather.
The event was hosted by a good marathon acquaintance, Anne-Marie Lyngbye Nilsson, and marked her 400th marathon, which was duly celebrated.
A big thank-you to the organizers for a well-arranged event with truly excellent refreshments in every respect.

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Helsinki Marathon 2025

Henrik Brandt — Sat, 23 Aug 2025 22:37:49 +0000

On Saturday, I completed my third marathon of the year in my third country of the year. It was my 26th country since I started 26 years ago. With this, I have now run a marathon in all seven Nordic countries, when the tree North Atlantic countries in the Danish kingdom are included.
It was the most beautiful running weather imaginable. The temperature ranged between 11 and 15 degrees Celsius. There wasn’t a cloud in the sky. It was a lovely run in the Finnish capital. I can recommend it to others.

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The Great Wall Marathon 2025

Henrik Brandt — Sat, 17 May 2025 17:02:21 +0000

Today, I ran my 22nd “Great Wall Marathon”. A knee injury in April had threatened the experience, and a new and tougher course had also prompted some reflection.
The weather on the day was cooler than usual, which must have worked to my advantage. On the other hand, there were strong winds along certain stretches.
The new course offered more climbs and hilly terrain. The hardships were outweighed by the fact that the experience was more breathtaking than ever before.
Except for the climbs and the water stations, I managed to run the whole way – with a smile on my face and without any crises. From start to finish, I had the energy to respond to the cheers of the spectators.
It turned out to be a truly fantastic day. I could feel my left knee, sure, but it didn’t cause any problems at all. I crossed the finish line 36 minutes faster than last year and with my fastest time since 2016. It was my ninth-fastest time out of the 22.
I’m so happy and already looking forward to 2026.

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LNBK Vejleåløbet

Henrik Brandt — Sat, 08 Feb 2025 17:00:38 +0000

The first marathon of the year was completed today in Vallensbæk. The LNBK Vejleåløbet was a beautiful route that had to be completed six times in a scenic area. The organizer had arranged for really good catering that has not been seen better. An old acquaintance, Rikke Thestrup ran her 100th marathon and treated us with a delicious homemade carrot cake.
I have now run at least one marathon per year for 27 calendar years. In the most active years, I have completed nine races at the classic distance.

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The Advent Retro Christmas Run Kokkedal

Henrik Brandt — Sun, 15 Dec 2024 21:49:02 +0000

Today I ran my fifth and last marathon of the year. After being in four different countries during the year, I finished with another race in my home country.
The Advent Retro Christmas Run Kokkedal was well organized with a very nice depot that offered everything the heart desires. After the race, mulled wine and apple slices were offered.
The race was a route of just over seven kilometers that had to be completed six times. It was a varied trip through green areas on a surface of grass, gravel and asphalt.
The organizers’ race is highly recommended.

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Oslo Marathon 2024

Henrik Brandt — Sat, 21 Sep 2024 22:16:38 +0000

On Saturday I completed the fourth marathon of the year in the fourth country of the year. At the same time, it was an anniversary race, as it is the 25th country in which I have run a marathon. This in 25 years.
In Norway’s capital, the Oslo Marathon was held in optimal weather. It was neither hot nor cold and no stinging sun. There was no rain and the air was mild. More than 20,000 happy runners came around the capital’s districts and got a good impression of the beautiful city and great support from the many spectators.
I was registered for the Oslo Marathon in 2010 but did not run when my health failed. After a dozen years, I finally captured this trophy.

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Mr. Great Wall immortalized as bird king

Henrik Brandt — Tue, 02 Jul 2024 21:48:11 +0000

On 4 July 2023, I was named bird king of the year in Roskilde Bird Shooting Association. In doing so, I followed in the footsteps of many proud men who before me have enjoyed the same title since 1787. For me it was quite special, as it was 50 years since I got my first impression of the association’s traditions, and since as website editor for 15 years I had written about bird kings, there paintings and about the association’s history and traditions.

As bird king you have both honor and duties. One of the duties is to have executed a painting that will last for posterity. The many existing paintings are on display at Roskilde Museum, Roskilde Town Hall and Restaurant Håndværkeren. It is a great honor that in this way I can leave my small mark in local history for hundreds of years to come.

I have enjoyed my year as bird king and have now been replaced by my successor. My painting was unveiled on Tuesday and hung at Restaurant Håndværkeren.Just as honorable it is to be “Bird King”, it is to be “Mr. Great Wall”, a title I have enjoyed for many years for my many completions of “The Great Wall Marathon” in Huangyaguan, China. For me, there was no doubt that the motif on my bird king painting had to be from there. The two distinguished titles had to be united.

Motifs on my painting are taken from a photo of me running across the finish line in China on May 26, 2001. This exactly on the second anniversary of my life’s first marathon, in the same place.

The picture shows me “floating” over the timing mat, while the joy on my face shows my emotions. In the background are my two sons, Emil who was 6 years old at the time and Steffen who, as a 13-year-old, had finished his half-marathon at the same place 3½ hours earlier.
An illustration of the Great Wall of China rises in gray from the motif up from the inner circle of the frame. Here, the inner ring of the frame is carved to symbolize the wall’s iconic defense holes. These are designed so that you could fire arrows and throw stones at the enemy from there.
From the gray wall, the base color of the frame is reddish, while the letters and numbers and the outermost ring in the frame are yellowish. The two colors symbolize the Chinese flag, although the shades are not the same.

Above the frame is a typical Chinese roof construction in sterling silver. What is not visible to the naked eye is that in 10 of the round tubes there are Chinese characters, thus:

In the left side 长城先生 which stands for Mr. Great Wall
Centered at the top 亨里克 which stands for Henrik
On the right side 鸟中之王 which stands for bird king

The dial was painted by painter Anne Koldsø, while the wall cutout was cut by master carpenter Kim Juel Gregersen and the silver roof was forged by goldsmith Henrik Enig. I have been very satisfied with the cooperation with all of them.

On the back of the disc, the bird king has made a pocket that contains an A4 booklet with all the information about the painting, the bird king, artists and the bird king’s speech to Denmark’s Majesties that was performed on bird shooting day, Tuesday 2 July 2024.

Above the booklets, artist Anne Koldsø has written her signature and the year of completion.

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