What began as a friendly rivalry in finance has become a decade-long journey. In 2025, Norseman veteran Andreas Martinussen returns to the iconic course for the 11th time—not just to chase a top finish, but to raise an extraordinary EUR 400,000 for Active against cancer in Norway. As part of #teamZalaris, Andreas is proving that endurance sports can be a force for making a difference and that the most challenging climbs often lead to the most meaningful summits. If needed, Andreas will run with a collection box the last kilometres up to Gaustatoppen to reach the adjusted goal of raising EUR 400,000.

NORSEMAN: Can you tell us about yourself and your journey with Norseman? What first drew you to this extreme race?

ANDREAS: In 2012, I worked in finance and had a colleague who had attended Norseman and referred to himself as the best trained in the finance industry in Norway. Someone had to dethrone him. Little did I know that would be the start of an incredible journey with ten, soon to be 11 times Norseman.

NORSEMAN: In 2025, you're racing as part of #teamZalaris and have set an incredibly ambitious goal — raising EUR 300,000 for Active against Cancer in Norway. What inspired you to begin fundraising for this cause?

ANDREAS: As part of #teamZalaris, you must raise 7,500 EUR for Active against Cancer. Then I heard about a guy who raised over EUR 30,000 last year. I was determined to beat that and set a goal of 35,000. When I passed EUR 60,000, I was invited to Helle Aanesen, the founder of Active against Cancer in Norway. She told me about the plans for the new centre at Radiumhospitalet, Norway's largest cancer hospital, where not a single square meter was set aside for training. Helle and her team had raised all the funds they needed, but were short of EUR 300,000 for all the training equipment going into the centre. I was so moved by the story that I almost cried. That's when I decided to do everything I could to raise EUR 300,000 on my way to Zalaris Norseman Xtreme Triathlon 2025.

NORSEMAN: You’ve already surpassed that goal and aim for EUR 400,000. What motivates you to keep raising the bar as an athlete and a fundraiser?

ANDREAS: Raising the bar is part of every Norseman athlete’s nature. That´s what life is about, and that´s why we do what we do, whether at work, in love or fundraising—always reaching for the next level. Happy, but never satisfied, has always been a motto for me. Plus, my life so far has mostly been about me and mine. It was about time I gave back to someone who needs and deserves it more than I do. Using Norseman, which has been life-changing, to give back feels amazing. And the cause of cancer has become a matter of the heart for me.

NORSEMAN: How has your work with Active against Cancer shaped your perspective on endurance sports and athletes' role in creating a greater impact?

ANDREAS: It has made me even more grateful to be able to do what we can with a healthy body, which is easy to take for granted. We want to enjoy life and make the most of it. At the same time, it is essential to say that I am fortunate to have friends and a network with significant funds, who have made incredible contributions to my fundraising. Not everyone is blessed with that, and that is not the point. The point is the time and energy you put in, not the money. That you contribute maximally within the framework you have available.

NORSEMAN: What are your expectations for August 2, 2025? And what are your top tips for making race day a success?

ANDREAS: I expect another fantastic event, as it always is. If everything goes right that day, I hope to tick off another top 10 finish at Mt. Gaustatoppen. And if necessary, I will run with a collection box the last kilometres up to Gaustatoppen to reach the adjusted goal of raising EUR 400,000.

Top tips: Nutrition is everything, never stop moving, and 5xP (Proper Planning Prevents Poor Performance)!

Contribute to #teamZalaris fundraising here

Andreas - A Norseman veteran on a mission

From calm waters to crushing climbs.