Motionsklub Sydhavnen is a running club in Copenhagen's South Harbour district, Sydhavnen, a neighbourhood that has been changing fast in recent years. The club has been meeting since 2013 and describes itself as social and easy-paced, open to runners of every level. It makes a good way to see the waterfront and the paths around the area while meeting people who live there.
Joining a session
You do not need to sign up in advance. The group gathers at Hammelstrupvej, by the entrance to Valbyparken, and you can spot it by the orange jackets its members wear. On Tuesdays a certified trainer leads a warm-up before the run. On Sundays members are expected to have warmed up already, so arrive ready to go.
Newcomers can try a few sessions before deciding whether to take out a membership. Membership includes insurance and safety cover through DGI, the Danish gymnastics and sports federation, which is worth knowing if you plan to run more than once.
Community and traditions
Much of the club's character comes from its social side. Members mark the first Tuesday of December with mulled wine, and there is a New Year's dip as well. A knitting club has also grown out of the group, a sign of how the running friendships have spread into other parts of members' lives.
Each September the club organises Sydhavnen's part of the nationwide Marguerite Run (Margueritløb). The event follows a 5 km route that starts at Vandkulturhuset in Valby, so it can be a good time to visit if your trip falls in early autumn.
Planning your visit
The club is best suited to visitors who want an active, unhurried way to spend a morning or evening and to talk with locals. Check the club's own website for the latest details on meeting times, since these may change through the year. The route along the water and through Valbyparken gives a relaxed view of a part of Copenhagen that many visitors do not see.