Search
shop

Heather Jackson ‘invigorated’ by ultra running and gravel racing switch

American triathlon star Heather Jackson is relishing a new challenge in 2023 as she tackles gravel and ultra running
Staff Reporter
Last updated -
Get the ultimate guide to destination racing

Former IRONMAN and IRONMAN 70.3 World Championships podium placer Heather Jackson is relishing a fresh challenge in 2023 as she transitions to ultra-running and gravel racing.

For almost a decade, 38-year-old Jackson has been one of the leading American women in long course triathlon, with the PTO world ranked #48 still finding herself on top of the podium in her last year of the sport, with second at IRONMAN Lake Placid and third at IRONMAN 70.3 Oregon in 2022.

However, after a long-course triathlon career that has seen Jackson represent the star spangled banner worldwide, at some of the sports biggest competitions, she is now hanging up her trisuit to focus on two new pursuits.

Heading into the unknown

After breaking the news at the end of 2022, Jackson shared more of her reasoning behind the switch in a new video on her YouTube channel, embedded below, where she revealed why she had decided to step away from full-distance racing.

The New Hampshire native shared that there was “a point where I was racing IRONMAN where it just got to repeat, just the same thing over and over, and it is hard after a while to look forward to doing the same thing again and again”.

The Oregon-based athlete, who raced her first ultra last year, went on to state that “I feel so invigorated, so remotivated, so excited to go after these new challenges”, adding that ultra and gravel racing are “two sports that require, not completely different training, but different focuses to what I’ve been doing for so long now”.

Jackson summarised her decision at the start of the video, explaining that:

As one chapter in my professional athletic career comes to an end, a new chapter begins.

“Testing myself against the best gravel cyclists and ultra runners in the world has become my new passion, my new career, and I’m both thankful and excited for this next journey I’m about to embark on.”

Jackson will be beginning her ultra running season with the Black Canyons Trail Ultra 100km on February 18th and will additionally be pursuing her gravel racing goals in the Life Time Grand Prix series throughout 2023.

Tomos Land
Written by
Tomos Land
Tomos Land is a triathlon & running journalist whose expertise lies in the professional world of short course & long distance triathlon, though he also boasts an extensive knowledge of ultra-running.
Discover more
Laura Siddall Challenge Roth 2025 finish line
PremiumLaura Siddall: 10 things I’ve learned from my professional triathlon career
Ruth Astle finishing IRONMAN Vitoria 2024
PremiumHow to cope with a DNF: Elite athletes share their stories
PremiumIs your evening workout routine wrecking your recovery? Expert physiologist on how to improve recovery and what NOT to do
Caroline Pohle Lena Meissner ironman 703 jonkoping sprint 2025
PremiumTriathlon’s mid-season report card: Tim Don on who’s raising the bar this triathlon race season
03/07/2025 - Tour de France 2025 - Grand départ Jour 2 - Lille - Présentation des équipes -Jonas Vingegaard (Team Visma-Lease a Bike)
PremiumWhat triathletes can learn from the Tour de France pro peloton
latest News
lionel sanders wins oceanside 2024 [Photo credit: Donald Miralle / IRONMAN]
Lionel Sanders pinpoints the BIGGEST difference from Mark Allen era of triathlon
Sam Laidlow celebrates Challenge Roth win 2025
Triathlon superstar Sam Laidlow went from near DNS at Challenge Roth to epic glory
Alex Yee supertri Neom 2024 win Photo credit: Darren Wheeler | supertri
Supertri Toronto 2025: How to watch live as Alex Yee makes his triathlon return
Dan Lorang Head of Performance BORA - hansgrohe
Touching and heartfelt tribute from Anne Haug’s coach after she announces triathlon retirement
Sam Long - T100 San Francisco 2024 bike
‘No No No’ – culture shock and bike crash for American star Sam Long in Italy
triathlon on your terms
Never miss out with our triathlon alerts & digest. Get a dose of adventure & inspiration with Boundless.
The 247 Group

The home of endurance sports

TRI247-LOGO_Primary-Black_RGB-1

CHOOSE YOUR MEMBERSHIP TO BECOME PART OF SOMETHING EPIC

We’re on a mission to elevate the world of endurance sport, becoming your go-to resource for expert training tips and inspiration, unbiased reporting and creating a platform for grassroots voices. But we can’t do it without you on board! Choose a TRI247+ membership option below and become part of something epic.

£7.95/month

Unlimited access. No ads. A whole library of tips, advice and inspiration at your finger tips, and the chance to shape the future of triathlon journalism.

100+ new articles/month

You’ll also gain access to our other premium websites:

Have an account? Sign in

£47.95/year
£95.40/year

50% Discount

100+ new articles/month

Unlimited access. No ads. A whole library of tips, advice and inspiration at your finger tips, and the chance to shape the future of triathlon journalism.

You’ll also gain access to our other premium websites:

Have an account? Sign in

Share to...