NOORA HONKALA - ULTRARUNNER
Your mind
has to be stronger than your legs.
BIO
BORN: 1992
HEIGHT: 172cm / 5″7
FROM: Lohja, Finland
SHOES: HOKA
Time keeping: Garmin
I was born and raised in a small town called Lohja, Finland. Running wasn’t always my path. My first love was soccer—a chapter that lasted only a few years, but one that shaped me deeply. It gave me grit, resilience, and a stamina I didn’t yet know would define my future.
Everything changed when a running coach, Seppo Leinonen, saw something in me before I saw it myself. He encouraged me to toe the line of my first ultra race—and that moment quietly set my life on a new course.
Fast forward a decade. Years of disciplined training, patience, and genuine joy in the process have brought me here. I’ve grown, learned, refined every detail—and now I stand at a level where aiming for world records isn’t a dream, but a realistic goal.
My abilities are sharpened.
My mindset is clear.
I’m ready.
Wait and see.
SPARTATHLON 2014
35h:34min:37sec.
SPARTATHLON 2015
34h:02min:23sec.
SPARTATHLON 2016
32h:20min:59sec.
SPARTATHLON 2017
DNF
SPARTATHLON 2021
26h:27min:14sec.
BRONZE
SPARTATHLON 2023
23h:23min:03sec.
SILVER
SPARTATHLON 2024
24h:25min:08sec.
GOLD
I completed my first Spartathlon in 2014, and it was far more than a race—it was an adventure that tested every part of me. There were moments when simply continuing felt uncertain. I was constantly flirting with the cut-off times, right on the edge, wondering if this was where my journey would end. But step by step, I refused to stop. Against the odds, I pushed forward and crossed the finish line.
Since then, I’ve stood on the Spartathlon start line six times. Only once did I fail to reach the end—and even that experience shaped me. That year came on the heels of the 24-hour World Championships, and I arrived drained, not fully ready to commit everything I had. The race exposed that hesitation. Yet even in that setback, there was a lesson: preparation isn’t only physical—it’s mental, emotional, and deeply personal.
Every finish, every struggle, and even every failure has reinforced the same truth: perseverance isn’t about never faltering—it’s about continuing to show up, learning, and daring to push beyond what you once believed was possible.
My coach: Seppo Leinonen (Spartathlon 2023)
A few years ago, I had the honor of becoming friends with the legend himself, Yiannis Kouros.
He is one of the friendliest runners I know. His legend precedes him, with over 100 world records to his name, and he is truly a pioneer of ultrarunning as we know it today.
Hanging out with Fotis Zisimopoulos, it’s clear that the saying is true — Greece is the birthplace of running. A true joy to be around, both as an athlete and a person.
This incredible athlete just "bombarded" our house! In my eyes, Camille Herron is the greatest female ultrarunner of all time. She recently broke the 6-day world record and, at the same event, shattered a total of 12 world records. Camille, along with Connor — her coach, husband, and mentor — embody the true power and determination of the human spirit.
My personal trainers — or rather, my mental coaches.
As a dog lover, there’s no story without these rescue dogs: Lilu (the white one) and Buga Buga (the Labrador). Both were abandoned and left in harm's way, but we were fortunate enough to save them. They bring me endless joy and happiness.
Life is for living
Goofing around with my yoga friends at Yoga Shala, Gytheio.
While much of my life is dedicated to sport (a big part, yes), I’ve been truly blessed to live life to the fullest. Traveling between my home country, Finland, and Greece is a gift in itself. And along the way, I’ve had the privilege of participating in incredible races and meeting amazing people who have enriched my journey.
Patrycja Bereznowska, aka Patti, hanging out before the race.
Photo session with Sorokin and race organizer Gilad Krauz (Israel). What a great time we had!
Carlo Capalbo, Chairman of the WA (World Athletics) Road Running Division.
At the starting line with Aleksandr Sorokin.
PHANTANE ATHLETICS CLUB, South Africa — home to one of the greatest distance coaches of all time, Mr. Mdu Khumalo.
Assisting with coaching at the Loutraki 24h, alongside Ioannis "John" Dimopoulos.
