Jackie Hering Claims Victory at Inaugural Ironman 70.3 Dallas–Little Elm
Hering overcame wind, penalties, and a late deficit to win the inaugural race.
Ironman
A dramatic late surge delivered Jackie Hering the win in her first race of the 2026 season, claiming victory at the inaugural Ironman 70.3 Dallas–Little Elm.
The race itself was anything but straightforward. Strong winds caused organizers to modify the race format, cancelling the swim entirely for age-groupers while shortening it to 350m for professionals before they headed out onto the bike course in blustery conditions.
Hering also had to overcome an additional setback when she received a two-minute penalty on the bike. Speaking with Kyle Glass of Pro Tri News after the race, Hering explained how the situation unfolded:
“It was so windy,” she said. “Anna [Buettner] was in front of me and a big gust came and I saw her go squirrely, so I was looking down and then another gust came and I went squirrely. When I looked up it went blue light and she came right up and said it went red,” Hering said, referring to the race referee signaling the penalty.
Despite the setback, Hering stayed composed and kept herself within striking distance as the race unfolded.
A Run Battle to the Finish
The decisive moment came during the half marathon. For much of the run, Germany’s Anna Buettner appeared to have the upper hand, holding a gap of roughly 20 to 30 seconds. Hering knew the challenge she faced – Buettner had recently run a remarkable 1:14 half marathon at Ironman 70.3 Indian Wells.
“I knew she was a really fast runner,” Hering said, noting that she thought, “okay, she will win and I will get second, and that’s fine.”
But as the miles ticked down, the dynamic began to shift.
Hering noticed signs that Buettner was beginning to struggle. Over the final 3km she steadily chipped away at the deficit. With the finish line approaching, she made her move, claiming victory by just 18 seconds in one of the most dramatic finishes of the day.
“It was an adventure out there and you truly never know what is going to happen,” she said shortly after crossing the line. “I did not feel my best this week and I just came and gave it a go. When I thought there was a possibility I could win, I really gave it a go the last few miles. It was fun and good to feel that I had the fire to push hard.”
What Comes Next
After opening the season with a victory, Hering now turns her attention to one of the sport’s most iconic early-season races. Next on her schedule is Ironman 70.3 Oceanside, with the possibility of racing Ironman Texas after that.