Risto Ilmari Ulmala (born 7 May 1963 in Helsinki) is a Finnish former long-distance runner. Risto Ulmala's best achievement was 7th place in 5000 meters at World Championships 1991. In European Athletics Championships he was 6th in 5000 meters 1990 and 7th in 1994. After his track running career he competed in road races and marathons in the United States. He was 13th in New York City Marathon 1995 and participated in Olympic marathon 1996.