Behind the Work: A Marathon to Work
About 2,200 kilometres — that’s the total distance Tuukka Degerman ran in 2024. Last autumn, the Sampaanala Warehouse Manager completed a personal challenge: running a marathon from his home in Eura to his workplace.
When Tuukka Degerman laces up for a training run, his steady stride hits the road with purpose. He runs six days a week, always reserving one day for rest and ensuring his body gets the care it needs.
"As an Excel guy, I collect statistics on everything. The kilometres are automatically logged into an application. Last year, I ran a total of around 2,200 kilometres. Now, in early May 2025, I’ve already logged 1,000 kilometres — so this year’s total will likely be closer to 2,500 or even 3,000", Degerman says.
He took up running in 2020, when COVID-19 restrictions limited access to gyms. On his first run, he managed just three kilometres, meaning since then, he has made remarkable progress.
"I gradually raised my goals, so that at first, I would run five kilometres as fast as I could, and then ten. Now, I run about 100 kilometres a week, about 80% of which is standard endurance training at a slower pace, and on the weekends, I tackle the longer journeys of 40-50 kilometres."
A 100-Kilometre Race in Ylläs as the Current Goal
Degerman’s growing passion for running has led him to take on increasingly demanding challenges. In 2021, he completed a 37-kilometre Race in Ylläs. The following year, he completed 55 kilometres in Ruka. In 2023, he conquered the Marathon of Dangers in Koli, and last year, he finished the 83-kilometre Karhunkierros (“The Bear’s Trail”) in Oulanka National Park.
"My goal is to do more than just survive the race — I want to stay strong and able to run all the way to the finish. If Ylläs goes well, my goal for next year is the three-leg Ultra Trail Tour Finland, which includes 166 kilometres in May, 160 in July and 130 in October, Degerman explains."
Energy management is crucially important. One must be vigilant with the right kind of nutrition and getting adequate rest. Physically demanding competitions lasting multiple hours are also demanding mentally.
"I am 42 years old, so not the youngest anymore. The most important thing is challenging myself, and I still have not found my personal limit. Developing different abilities takes time."
"When running for five to six hours, you do naturally get tired, and your mind starts to question what you are even doing. In my view, only an injury would really justify cutting a race short."
A Self-Directed Marathon from Eura to Sampaanala
Last autumn, Degerman achieved a long-time personal goal. At six in the morning, he left his home in Eura and ran the 42-kilometre journey to his workplace at the Sampaanala warehouse.
"The total time it took was 3 hours and 53 minutes. I showered at work and then did a full day’s shift afterward. If the UTTF tour next year happens, I might even run to work and back home on the same day", Degerman reveals.
For those considering taking up running, Degerman offers a great tip.
"It’s enough to put your running shoes on and go outside to walk without any greater goal. It feels good, and soon you might want to run. After half an hour, you feel proud just for getting out there."
