The Freetrail Podcast with Dylan Bowman

Heather Jackson | UTMB Pre-Race Interview

8 snips
Aug 25, 2025
Guest
Heather Jackson
Heather Jackson, an elite trail runner and gravel cyclist who placed 5th at CCC in 2024, discusses her journey toward the challenging UTMB race. She shares insights on the emotional rollercoaster of preparing for such a prestigious event, detailing the importance of resilience after her DNF at Western States. Heather also reflects on her growth in managing technical descents and adapting to the unique demands of nighttime racing, all while eagerly anticipating the thrill of the UTMB loop around Mont Blanc.
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ANECDOTE

From Film Project To UTMB Ambition

  • Heather first came for OCC as part of a Hoka film project and entered the race spontaneously.
  • She returned for CCC the next year and placed fifth, which convinced her to attempt the full UTMB loop.
ANECDOTE

Deliberate Mountain Skill Building

  • Heather had little mountain background so she deliberately built skills by repeatedly running local technical peaks near Bend.
  • She focused on daily wilderness permit runs and progressive time in higher mountains to learn hiking and descending.
INSIGHT

European Gravel Is Shifting Toward Epic Events

  • Gravel racing in Europe is shifting from UCI-style road-like events to longer epic formats similar to the U.S.
  • Series like Gravel Earth are growing and creating a global points structure and grand final that attracts riders.
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