Jake’s Story

Jake Heslington is not your average
runner. A husband, father of three, full-
time engineer, and elite athlete, Jake
recently finished 21st at the 2024 U.S.
Olympic Marathon Trials with an
impressive time of 2 hours and 15
minutes. But his journey to the top hasn't
been without its challenges.

elite runner, coach, family man

from humble beginning to
national champion

Unlike many elite athletes, Jake didn’t come
from a family of runners or athletes. In fact,
he’s the only one in his family involved in
sports of any kind. His passion for running
began almost by accident, when he took up
the sport in junior high simply to stay in
shape for basketball. What started as a side
activity quickly turned into a deep love for

Near Fatal Setback

In 2015, just a few months after returning from
a 2 year service mission for his church to
Guatemala, Jake’s life took a drastic turn. While
training for track, he struggled to breathe and
was later diagnosed with life-threatening blood
clots in his lungs and leg. The doctors told him
he might never run again, and recovery was
slow and grueling. At one point, simply walking
down a hallway left him breathless. Yet,
through sheer determination, Jake not only
recovered but returned to competitive
running. Within 18 months, he qualified for the
NCAA finals and later competed at the USA
Championships.

Balancing Life, Family, and Elite Training

After college, Jake faced new challenges. The pandemic
canceled his senior track season and left him unemployed
for seven months, just as he and his wife were welcoming
their second child. But rather than give up, Jake shifted his
focus to the marathon, training for the 2024 Olympic Trials.
Balancing a full-time job, a 2-hour daily commute, and early
morning workouts while raising two children, Jake's
dedication paid off with a top-25 finish at the trials—just four
weeks before the birth of his third child.

running. By high school, Jake had blossomed into a standout athlete, winning state
championships in both cross country and track. His hard work and talent earned him a spot
at BYU, where he became an NCAA All-American and helped the cross-country team win a
national title. But Jake's journey wasn’t just about natural talent—it was his relentless work
ethic and determination that set him apart.