Heather Jackson breaks the record at the “Kona of gravel”: Unbound XL 2025
The American Heather Jackson, former circuit star HOMBRE DE HIERRO, has made history in the world of gravel by conquering the Unbound XL 2025, one of the toughest ultra-endurance tests in the world, with a time record of 20 hours, 57 minutes and 57 seconds.
Unbound XL, the “Kona of gravel”
At 358 miles (576 kilometers) across the demanding terrain of Kansas, Unbound XL is the ultimate gravel test.
The event is considered by many to be the equivalent of the IRONMAN World Championship in this off-road cycling format. The previous women's record, 22:25:15 (Cynthia Frazier, 2022), has been shattered.
From IRONMAN to gravel… successfully
With multiple podium finishes at IRONMAN events like Lake Placid and Kona, Heather Jackson made the leap to ultra-distance gravel and trail running in 2022. At 41, she has proven that professional triathlon experience can be successfully transferred to other fields.
In this edition of Unbound XL, Jackson led the pack from the start and finished in an incredible eighth place overall, beating most of the men in the race.
🎙️ Heather Jackson's statements after her feat
After crossing the finish line of the Unbound XL, Heather Jackson He shared an emotional message on his social media, reflecting the hardship and beauty of this unique experience:
“🤯 I'm still coming to terms with what I've experienced. With about 24 miles to go, I didn't know if I could continue. I couldn't hold my head up and I was running out of energy. But when we passed the 50-mile runners, their encouragement kept me going.
Thank you to everyone who sent me messages of support. I'm reading them all with my heart in my hand ❤️. Thank you to my competitors for pushing me throughout the day. It was an honor to share this madness with you.
I also want to thank Peter and Bob, whom I met at kilometer 100 and with whom I shared unforgettable hours. And, above all, my sincere congratulations to those who not only finished the XL, but also to those who dared to take the start. This has been another level.
Thanks to my sponsors for being by my side, Drew Darby for capturing every moment and becoming a great friend… already Wattie, my number one: I love you. ❤️”
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Triathlete presence also with Ruth Astle
Another notable triathlete, Ruth Astle, competed in the 200-mile race, finishing 47th among elite women.
The Briton praised the gravel community: “The spirit of this sport is very much alive. The atmosphere in Emporia is very different from Kona—much more intimate and warm!”
“With 15 miles left, I didn't know if I could keep going. I didn't have a single calorie left. I couldn't even hold my head up… but the encouragement of the 50-miler participants kept me going. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who shared this madness with me. We gave it our all.”
