Dear Casper, you are currently creating something new and special with 9t7. Can you explain what 9t7 is?

9T7 is way more than just a sports brand, it is a community and a creative movement built around running, mental health, and human connection. We started 9T7 because we wanted to create something that goes beyond performance and products, it’s about exploring what running can mean on a deeper level.

For us, running is a tool for self-discovery, growth, and bringing people together. We design collections, organize events, and build experiences that merge sport, creativity, and lifestyle. At its core, 9T7 is about inspiring people to move both physically, mentally, and emotionally all that while creating a space where performance and community go hand in hand.

What inspires your work?

I’m inspired by people, movement, and stories. With 9T7, a lot of our work comes from exploring the intersection between sport, creativity, and community. Running is much more than just about performance for us, it’s about what happens around it. The deep connections you build, the conversations you have, and the personal growth that comes from challenging yourself.

I also find inspiration in contrasts, the balance between individuality and togetherness, discipline and freedom, effort and flow. That’s what drives our projects where we are creating experiences, products, and narratives that capture those moments where sport meets culture and something bigger happens.

We have something in Denmark called jantelov. Does that affect you in any way?

The jantelov is definitely present in Denmark, and you feel it, especially when you’re trying to create something different. In the scene we’re part of, you often have to prove yourself first before you’re accepted. People want to see who you are and what you stand for, and earning that respect has been a long and challenging journey.

But instead of letting that discourage us, it has fueled us. With 9T7, we’ve chosen to do things our own way from the start. From how we build our community and create our products to how we tell our stories. We believe that by staying authentic and staying true to our values, it will resonate with people who share the same mindset.

We’re not here to follow any traditional paths, we’re here to create our own and, hopefully, inspire others to do the same.

What is your dream for 9t7 and the running scene regarding fashion in Copenhagen? What legacy are you trying to build?

With 9T7, our dream is to redefine what running can be in Copenhagen and beyond. We want to merge performance, creativity, and fashion in a way that feels authentic. 9T7 has never just been about running, it’s about identity, true connections, and culture building.

We’re building a community where movement becomes self-expression, where stories are shared, and where people inspire each other to dream bigger. And within that space, it’s natural that some begin to develop higher ambitions, it happens when you surround yourself with dreamers and doers. Our role is to create room for all of it, from the person chasing their first 5K to the one training for a sub-3 marathon, and everything in between.

Long-term, our goal is to create a legacy. Ten years from now, we want people to look at 9T7 and still see us as a brand and a community that has inspired change, connected people, and created spaces where everyone feels welcome and free to open up and come as they are.

What do you enjoy the most about Copenhagen?

What I enjoy most about Copenhagen is the energy of the city, it’s small enough to feel connected but big enough to be constantly inspired. There’s this unique mix of creativity, community, and culture that makes it an incredible place to build something like 9T7. Copenhagen as a city has this ability to feel intimate and ambitious at the same time, and that balance inspires a lot of what we’re trying to create.

How does an average weekday in the city look like for you? Where do you spend your time when not at home or work?

An average weekday usually starts early for me since I work full-time as a carpenter alongside building 9T7. I’m up before most people, and I’m usually off work early too, which gives me time to head home, lace up my running shoes, and get out the door for a run. After that, I spend a lot of time with my two partners in 9T7, Jun and Mikkel. Whether we’re at our showroom and office on Sølvgade or working together online, we’re constantly pushing to optimize what we do and make sure the next thing is always better than the last. And if I’m not at work or at home, you’ll probably find me around Vesterbro.

What is the best thing about the city you get reminded about whenever you travel to other places?

What I appreciate most about Copenhagen, and what I get reminded of whenever I travel, is the balance the city has. It’s busy and creative, but it never feels overwhelming. You can move from the waterfront to the parks, from small local cafés to cultural spaces, all within minutes. There’s also a strong sense of community here. People look out for each other, and there’s space to breathe, create, and connect. Whenever I’m away, I realize how unique that energy is.

How is Copenhagen as a city to run in? Both from a practical and more holistic perspecitve?

Copenhagen is an incredible city to run in. It’s flat, easy to navigate, and has many routes along the water, parks, and lakes, but what truly makes it special is the energy. Sometimes it feels like a small city. You can go to Fælledparken and almost be sure you’ll meet someone you know.

I love that feeling of crossing paths with friends or seeing other communities train. Watching the way they push each other, and celebrate what they’re building is inspiring. You meet new people, exchange stories, and get a glimpse into their worlds, and that energy is uplifting. It makes you feel part of something bigger than yourself, where everyone’s chasing their own goals but still connected through the same passion.

What does your training group look like? How do you enjoy to train?

Our training group is built around the 9T7 community, and as I’ve mentioned, we have some offshoots within the group, people who’ve developed bigger ambitions in running, and I’m one of them.

From there, we’ve formed a tight handful of runners who train together regularly. We meet up often and are a big part of each other’s everyday lives, both in training and outside of running. It can be anything from a structured session with intervals or threshold runs to something as simple as someone dropping a message in the group chat and a few of us meeting for an easy run. But some of my favorite sessions are the hard workouts, doing them together makes everything easier, faster, and more fun.

I’ve also really enjoyed being welcomed into other communities. I love running with people who are faster, stronger, or smarter than me because I learn so much from those experiences. It keeps me motivated, challenged, and inspired to keep pushing my own limits.

How would you describe the running scene in Copenhagen? From a beginner to amateur to elite perspective?

The running scene in Copenhagen has grown massively over the past few years, and what makes it special is how diverse it’s become. There’s room for everyone, from beginners taking their first steps, to amateurs chasing personal goals, to elites competing at the highest level. For beginners, the city is an easy and inviting place to start. Copenhagen is flat and there’s a growing number of communities where you’re instantly welcomed, no matter your pace.

For amateurs, there’s so much inspiration everywhere. You see people pushing themselves, exploring new distances, and constantly chasing their next goal. And then there’s the elite side. Copenhagen has become home to some incredibly strong runners and structured training groups, and what’s inspiring is how accessible it all feels.

You can go to Fælledparken on a Tuesday evening and see different communities training side by side, beginners, amateurs, and elites all sharing the same space. That creates a sense of belonging and makes the running scene feel uplifting and connected.

What should I see visiting CPH for the first time?

If you’re visiting Copenhagen for the first time, I’d definitely recommend spending time in Vesterbro, especially around Enghave Plads on a sunny day. It has such a good vibe, people hanging out in the square, grabbing coffee, and just enjoying the atmosphere. There are also plenty of small cafés, bars, and restaurants in the area, which makes it one of my favorite places. It’s a spot where you really feel the local side of Copenhagen. And also 2 places i have to mention is Rantzausgade & Stefansgade on Nørrebro, top tier.

Which meal or restaurant should I not miss?

Butter chicken from Colombia on Vesterbrogade ( trust )

What should I do after the race sunday?

First stop is the New Balance Hub on Frederiksgade 1 to celebrate with the crew, then move on to Søpavillonen and let the beers do the recovery work.

Where should I hang out?

I spend a lot of time around Vesterbro, especially Enghave Plads, it’s the perfect spot to grab a coffee and just chill. But also Byhaven at Pumpehuset, they do free outdoor concerts, and then ofc. meatpacking district, the vibe there is always great.

What do you hope to see for cph half next year?

I’d love to see CPH Half create something bigger than just race day, make it feel like a movement in the months leading up to the event. Imagine if they set up a community-lab where runners could come together to test new shoes, gear, and technology, and learn from experts about training, nutrition, and recovery before their training plans even start. It could also be a space for workshops that focus on both performance and mindset, helping runners feel more prepared and connected as they build up to race day.

It would make the entire experience so much more inclusive and inspiring, bringing people closer to the sport, the culture, and even the elites. With the World Championships coming up, I also hope we’ll see some of the biggest names in running come to Copenhagen and help lift the entire atmosphere. If they get it right, CPH Half could set a new global standard, not just as a race, but as a celebration of running & creativity.