It is his first Royal Run as king: Frederik X of Denmark (55) took part in the annual fitness run on May 20th, first in Fredericia and then in Aarhus, Denmark. The event took place for the first time on the occasion of his 50th birthday in May 2018. Since then, members of the royal family have taken part in the royal race. Today, Whit Monday, almost everyone was at the start.

Frederik’s wife, Queen Mary of Denmark (52), started in Kalundborg, Denmark. Their eldest son, Crown Prince Christian (18), demonstrated his fitness in Broenderslev. His three siblings, Princess Isabella (17) and the twins Prince Vincent (13) and Princess Josephine (13), competed in the capital Copenhagen. “We are ready for the Royal Run in Copenhagen,” says an Instagram post in which the three can be seen wearing the event jersey.

Only the former queen, Margrethe II of Denmark (84), took it easy and watched the hustle and bustle with one of her dogs from the couch at home. “In addition to the more than 95,000 participants in this year’s Royal Run, there are also many spectators. Both along the routes in the cities and in front of the television screens. One of them is Her Majesty Queen Margrethe,” says an Instagram post Duo shows. The dog and his owner follow the event from Fredensborg Castle.

Queen Mary posted another dog photo. It appears to show her leaving her home. “My two running friends are disappointed that they can’t take part… On the other hand, I’m looking forward to running the Royal Run in Kalundborg soon,” Mary commented on two photos. One shows her saying goodbye to her furry friends. The other shows the loyal companions after saying goodbye to their mistress.

King Frederik also posted on Instagram. “Thank you for the run, Aarhus! Now we’re off to Copenhagen, where the big Royal Run finale awaits tonight,” he captioned a photo of the slightly exhausted but satisfied-looking king in a car.

Frederik has been the new King of Denmark since the beginning of the year. His mother, Margrethe II, abdicated after 52 years on the throne in favor of her firstborn.