Completing one of the world’s most demanding 250-mile ultramarathons, Bend’s Heather Jackson placed 4th among women and 12th overall at the May 2026 Cocodona 250. The former Princeton ice hockey captain adds this to her six Ironman titles, 16 Ironman 70.3 wins—including a World Championship podium—and a course record at Ironman Lake Placid.

Also a U.S. National Team track cyclist, Jackson’s path has taken her from New England to Thailand and Southern California, before moving to Bend in 2010. From her base in Central Oregon, she continues to pursue elite gravel and ultra racing events. Her record-setting 2025 win at the Unbound Gravel XL, a 350+ mile ultra-endurance gravel cycling race, cemented her as one of United States’ most versatile endurance athletes.

Learn more about Heather Jackson on her Instagram | Read more profiles on those who have been featured in our Soul of Central Oregon section.