Havstrygerløbet starts and finishes in the schoolyard at Hirtshals Skole in the Danish harbor town of Hirtshals. Runners can choose a half marathon, 10 km, or 6 km, while walkers have 10 km and 6 km options; the longer race and 10 km walk start first, followed by the shorter run and walk distances. The routes are flat, so the race suits both people chasing a personal best and people who want a manageable day out with a local club feel.
The course goes through town, forest, beach, and the dune areas of Lilleheden dune plantation east of Hirtshals. Around 350 participants come to run or walk, and the finish includes a medal and a large cake buffet, a detail runners mention alongside the careful organization and strong safety setup. Løbeklubben Havstrygerne runs the event, and the club’s wider culture shows in its three weekly training sessions, beginner mentoring, social runs, club evenings, trips to races such as Skagen Marathon, and the Havstrygerfest where Årets Havstryger is chosen.