Eva’s 100h Ultramarathon Story: I Signed Up for a 100-Hour Race in Greece... with No Plan
How Eva Laughed, Cried, Danced and WON Athens' Wildest Ultramarathon
Let’s be honest: most of us panic-sign up for a 5K and regret it halfway through the first hill. Eva? She said yes to a 100-hour ultra in Athens, Greece—and won.
The event? The No Finish Line Athens race, a unique multi-day charity ultramarathon held in the heart of Athens. From May 7th at 9:00 AM to May 11th at 1:00 PM, runners circled a loop course set near the Olympic Foundation and Stavros Niarchos Park, raising funds per kilometer. The catch? You have 100 hours to run as far as you can. Eva didn’t just participate. She took the crown.
As an online running coach, I talk a lot about pacing, race strategy, and structured training plans. Eva did the opposite. She went in with zero expectations, zero experience at that distance, and what she calls "a promise and a lot of laughter."
"So... I Just Said Yes"
"A year ago, my friend Tryfonas told me about this charity race his company supported. He signed me up without telling me! That’s how I met Nikos Porfyropoulos, who did the 100 hours last year. We clicked instantly, and I ended up running with him every day after work. On the last day, I told him: next year, I’ll do this race with you. And I kept my word."
For many of us, that might have been one of those well-meaning promises you make after too much post-run endorphins. But not for Eva. A year later, she showed up. With no plan. Literally.
No Plan, No Panic
"People kept asking me: what’s your strategy? How will you do it with no experience? I had only done 150km in 24 hours before this, and I've only been running for two years. So I just said: I don’t have a plan. I’ll start... and see."
That decision might sound wild to anyone training with spreadsheets, Garmin graphs, and HRV scores. But here’s the thing: Eva knew herself. She trusted that adrenaline, community, and sheer joy would carry her further than a schedule ever could.
(Though if you’re looking for actual pacing advice, check out our post on “Run Smarter, Not Harder". Eva's story is inspiring, but yes, we still recommend a little planning.)
Training? Keep It Simple
"Nothing fancy," she said. "I walked a lot. Ran about 50 km a week. But I did do two ultras a month before the race, which really helped."
Sometimes the best online coaching advice isn’t complex. Just move your body, stay consistent, and test your legs in real conditions. Eva’s simple routine is actually a fantastic reminder that you don’t need to be elite to do something epic.
Cue the Breakdown(s)
Ultrarunning is never a straight line.
"Twice during the race, I just started crying," she said. "I felt like Rocky Balboa, saying to his wife, 'I know I’m gonna get wrecked, but I just want to stay standing.' Everyone else had experience. I felt like I was running with lions. But the crying only lasted three minutes—then I was back to laughing."
Eva might be the only person to cry, then crack up, in the same lap. But that emotional rollercoaster? That’s the core of ultramarathons.
Want to learn how to go longer and further like Eva? Read “Transitioning from HM to Marathon”
Running, Dancing, and No Hallucinations
"I didn’t have any weird hallucinations like others did, that could have been hilarious" Eva laughed. "But I danced, sang, and laughed a lot. The music kept me going."
This might be the most Greek ultra vibe ever: moving to the rhythm, fueled by music and community. Sometimes, running through ancient streets at 3 a.m. with friends and a beat is all you need.
Flow State and Footsteps
For most of the race, Eva ran with Nikos, the same friend who got her into this wild ride.
"We spent most nights together on the course. It was quiet. You could hear only our footsteps and laughter."
That might be the most poetic race recap ever. And yes, it made us want to book a flight to Greece and go running under the stars.
More Than Just Running
"These kinds of races change you," Eva said. "They make you a better person. Stronger. I started to believe in myself in a way I never had before."
This is what keeps runners coming back to ultras. Not the medals, not the data. The shift inside. The quiet transformation that happens when your legs want to stop but your heart says, "just one more lap."
Advice from an Accidental Ultra Champ
We asked Eva what she’d say to someone thinking about running—or even dreaming about ultras. Her top advice?
Find the courage to do it, to make it to the start line
Believe in yourself, don’t think about what can go wrong, but what if “ The daredevil wins!” - Greek Saying
Start optimistically and with a smile, you are stronger than you think
Don’t fear crying or laughing while running
And always smile and dance when there’s music, everything goes well for those who smile.
If that doesn’t make you want to lace up and run into the unknown, we don’t know what will.
Why This Matters
Eva’s story isn’t just about winning. It’s about what’s possible when you trust your gut, your friends, and your joy. It’s a Greek tale of grit, love, movement, and the weird magic of long-distance running.
If you’re a new runner, dreaming of a big goal, or looking for an online coach who understands real-life training, we’re here to help. You don’t need a plan as wild as Eva’s. But you do need to start.
You want to know more about Eva? You can find her Instagram here
