Noel Smouse's Iron Man Journey: Finland 2023

Completing an Ironman triathlon demands grit, training, and an unwavering will. Noel Smouse, one of On’s athlete ambassadors, proved this when he earned a coveted spot at the 2023 IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship in Lahti, Finland — a stunning location known for its green, pristine natural surroundings.

Noel Smouse (Goes Beyond Personal Best)

Qualifying for the Ironman World Championship was no easy feat. Smouse doubled down on his training, focusing on staying injury-free while increasing his fitness and stamina. With discipline and the right gear, he arrived in Finland race-ready.

“I favour the On Cloudmonster during my run training sessions,” he shared. “Good gear contributes to keeping you injury-free. The engines need to be tested, and when I lace up for a race, it's always the Cloudboom Echo.”

Smouse chose the Cloudboom Echo 3 for race day, and it delivered. “The feedback from the shoe was perfect. There’s enough stiffness for a fast run while still giving you the comfort the On range is known for.”

The weather brought challenges — light rain made the gravel segments slippery, and the bike course bit back with icy stretches. But Smouse felt stable and confident in his Cloudboom Echo 3, which offered excellent traction and support, even on wet terrain.

His race-day kit also included On’s Zero cap and technical apparel, which kept him cool and focused through the changing weather conditions. Powered by preparation and performance gear, Smouse crossed the finish line in a personal best time of 4 hours and 41 minutes.

Well done, Noel. You inspire us to dream big and go beyond.

On – dream, live, run, have fun.