Ultra runner Heather Jackson claims INCREDIBLE record-breaking gravel win at iconic Unbound XL

As if being an elite triathlon star and a top trail runner wasn’t enough, Heather Jackson is now hitting the headlines on a gravel bike too.

The 41-year-old American, a six-time IRONMAN winner, took on the challenge of Unbound XL – and she absolutely smashed it.

Her finishing time on the gruelling 358-mile ride of 20:57:57 shattered the previous women’s record of 22:25:15, set by Cynthia Frazier in 2022, and placed her eighth overall, ahead of most of the men in the field.

Jackson had ‘zero calories left’

Writing in an emotional Instagram post, she said: “Honestly still processing. There were about 15miles to go and I literally wasn’t sure I could make it. I legitimately couldn’t hold my head up any longer and there were zero calories left in the tank.

“But we had crossed routes with the 50mile racers and their (your) cheers helped me keep pushing.🥹🤗 THANK YOU. Thank you to everyone who has sent notes of support- I’m reading them all❤️

“Thank you to my female competitors for pushing me all day- it was an honour to race with you. The biggest congrats to everyone who not just finished the XL, but who even dared to start it. That was truly next level.”

Jackson has made a huge impact in trail running circles, with six wins in 2023 after her debut second place at Black Canyon 100k.

She decided to switch from long-course triathlon to ultra running after becoming “officially hooked” when she ran the Javelina Jundred 100 miler in October 2022.

New and different challenges

Asked why she ultimately opted for such a big career change on her official website, she said: “As much as triathlon has been my life, my one sole focus that I shaped every day around, I could no longer ignore the excitement and motivation flowing from thoughts of new and different challenges.” 

Jackson has made waves gravel racing before with wins at the Belgian Waffle Ride San Diego and Stetina’s Paydirt – but this was perhaps her most eye-popping ride.

Legendary ultramarathon next

That’s partly because she had to survive a series of potentially race-ending incidents, including a crash, a damaged bike and a dying headlamp.

But she’s back on two feet again on June 28 for the 100-mile Western States Endurance Run, a legendary ultramarathon across California’s Sierra Nevada mountains.