Ralph Waldo Emerson once wrote that “a nobler want of man is served by nature—namely, the love of Beauty.” The American thinker spoke of the natural world as a sublime score of hidden analogies, capable of connecting hemispheres, cultures, and inner landscapes. His vision resonates deeply with both the philosophy and the lived experience of Jazmine Lowther — in whom running and nature are not merely companions, but one and the same.

Now a known force on the international trail scene and a recent addition to the Arc’teryx team, this Canadian athlete speaks less of a sporting career and more of a human journey. One in which the love of Beauty — in its pursuit, its presence, even its academic study — becomes the canvas upon which her vision of running unfolds.

It is a holistic vision, as nature intends: where trail running is not just the ecstatic transcendence of limits, but a form of exploratory art — at once tangible and elusive, deeply personal yet universally resonant. A way of expanding the collective gaze toward wonder itself — that fragile, fleeting miracle we call life outdoors.

Nelson, British Columbia—and the community that surrounded you throughout your childhood and adolescence—seem to have played a formative role in shaping your identity. Is it true? If so, could you share some memories that might help us understand why these places were so essential in your personal and athletic development?

“I grew up in Nelson, a small, humble ski town nestled in the southeastern corner of British Columbia. It’s surrounded by stunning nature, with a beautiful lake called Kootenay Lake and great skiing in the winter. It’s also a phenomenal area for mountain biking and really just an all-around outdoorsy town. But what makes it truly special is this unique flair—a kind of quirky, creative energy. It’s got veins of individuality running through it, with all kinds of colorful people from every walk of life. It’s a place that really embodies a down-to-earth spirit, openness, and a kind of gentle eccentricity.

Growing up there definitely shaped me. I think the biggest thing Nelson gave me was an open mind—an appreciation for different ways of living and being. That said, I wouldn’t necessarily credit the town itself with my athletic development. That’s something I owe much more to my parents, who supported me in sport from a young age and made sure I lived an active, healthy lifestyle. So full credit to them—they always made sure I was moving, playing, engaged.

As for my own journey, I started running cross-country when I was really young, probably until around age ten. But in Nelson, there’s also a really strong soccer culture, so from about ten to twenty, soccer became my main focus. At the peak of my soccer years, I absolutely dreamed of going professional. I was playing on four different teams at once, constantly on the move. At the same time, I was also deeply involved in dance—ballet, jazz, modern—training at four different academies. So between soccer and dance, both during and after school hours, I was training a lot, even for someone so young. It was a full schedule, but it shaped so much of who I am.”

As a young athlete, you were nicknamed ‘The Gazelle.’ Could you tell us more about the origins of that nickname, and how running first entered your life? What initially struck you or inspired you about this practice and its culture?

“I’m not exactly sure how old I was when I first got into running—probably around first or second grade, so still pretty young. But even then, it became pretty clear early on that I had some sort of natural ability. I was this scrawny little kid with super long, spindly legs. I think that’s where the nickname ‘Gazelle’ came from. It just made sense—both because of how I looked and how I moved.

What drew me to cross-country was always the chance to run outdoors—through forests, along trails, down pathways. There was something about that freedom that really spoke to me. I did have some opportunities to try track and field—sprints and shorter distances—and even got scouted to join a bigger track team. But it never really felt like the right fit. I had some ability there, for sure, but it didn’t click with me the way cross-country did. So I stuck with it, and I’m glad I did.

I still remember so clearly this one cross-country race where I came in second. It’s vivid in my mind because it was the only time I didn’t win—and both of my shoelaces had come undone. It was such a humbling experience, but one I never forgot. Sometimes I think about what it’s like for kids today, and I wonder about the opportunities they have. Back then, we were only allowed to race up to 5 kilometers—that was the maximum distance for our age. And it leaves me with a bit of curiosity… What could I have done if I had kept going? If I had pushed further or explored that path a little more? It’s a question that still lingers.”

“Running has always been my rock.” That’s a quote of yours we found particularly powerful. Could you unpack that metaphor for us? What does “rock” mean in your personal context—and how has the role of running evolved throughout your life?

“I think running has always been that for me—a solid, unwavering rock that’s just there, no matter what. It’s this constant, reliable space I can return to, anytime, anywhere. And the beauty of it is that it asks for so little—just a pair of running shoes and the open door. That’s all it takes.

It’s where I feel most grounded. Whether I’m tending to my mental health, reconnecting with nature, or simply sorting through whatever thoughts or emotions life has stirred up, running always helps me find clarity. It brings me back to myself—my best self. And I really believe that’s something many others experience too. There’s something universal about it, something deeply human.”

“Nature is my guide.” Another quote that resonated deeply—especially in light of your academic background in Biology. We’d also love to hear what nature represents to you. And how would you describe its connection to your trail running dimension?

“I actually grew up on a small farm, so I was always that barefoot kid—running through the garden, splashing in streams, roaming around the acreage. From a very early age, I felt deeply connected to the natural world. I was endlessly curious about everything—plants, animals, bugs, all the elements around me. That innate curiosity shaped me, and it was clear from a young age that I wanted to become a biologist or work in the environmental field.

And I did. I pursued that path and spent over a decade working in that sector. I’m no longer active in it professionally, but that relationship with nature is still absolutely vital to me. Trail running allows me to nurture that bond. It’s my way of connecting to the environment, of feeding that curiosity—what’s around the next bend, over the next ridge or mountain. Whether I’m exploring new trails or revisiting familiar ones in a different season or light, there’s always something to discover. Like in spring, when the leaves start to return—it never gets old.

Running in nature brings me into a state of flow, or at least a sense of peace and presence. The mental health benefits are immense. For me, it’s also about returning to my senses. Listening to birdsong, noticing what wildflowers are blooming, breathing in the scents of the forest, taking in the colors—it’s all part of experiencing this rich, living mosaic. 

Of course, I also see it through the lens of a biologist. I can recognize where an ecosystem has been disturbed by urbanization or human impact. Even trail running, as much as I love it, leaves its mark. So for me, it’s important to do something about it. In a couple of weeks, for example, I’ll be hosting the third annual invasive species pull on a very popular trail in my hometown of Nelson, BC. We’ve been doing it for 3 years now, removing invasive plants and helping to protect the wildflowers that grow there. It’s a small act, but a meaningful one. That stewardship, that connection—that’s everything to me.”

You’ve practiced—and still practice—a remarkably wide spectrum of sports. What does sport, both in imagination and in practice, mean in your daily life? And as a world-class ultrarunner, how much do you feel that being a multidisciplinary athlete enhances your primary discipline?

“Being a multidisciplinary athlete supports longevity and resilience above all else. Both of those qualities are essential—not just for performance, but for navigating the inevitable ups and downs of an athletic life. When you have more than one sport in your toolkit, you’re not placing your entire identity on a single activity. If something happens—an injury, for example—and you’re unable to run, having other sports to turn to becomes invaluable. It helps with your mental health, supports the healing process, and keeps you moving forward.

Beyond that, incorporating different disciplines is incredibly useful throughout the race season and during the off-season. Cross-training through skiing or cycling, for instance, keeps your body in motion, maintains your fitness, and does so with less impact than running. And it opens up new terrain—literally. You can reach stunning places that running alone might not allow, and that kind of exploration brings a different, enriching perspective to movement.

It also sharpens your skillset. Engaging in a variety of sports helps you develop technical abilities—reading mountain terrain, navigating in complex weather conditions, gaining confidence in the elements. All of that feeds into your overall athletic intelligence and adaptability. There’s a huge amount of value in building that versatility.

Joining the Arc’teryx team has really amplified that philosophy. The team is full of multisport athletes—people who thrive on variety and exploration. Most of them love to ski, and at the recent Arc’teryx run team camp, nearly everyone went rock climbing or hit the slopes. Being surrounded by that kind of energy is incredibly motivating. It pushes you to grow, to develop in new directions, and to think of athleticism as something dynamic, not fixed.”

What kind of evolution has your partnership with Arc’teryx allowed you to experience? And looking to the 2025 Footwear Line, is there a particular product you’ve been involved in developing, helped test, or one that has simply made a strong impression on you? 

“Arc’teryx really allows for more creativity—it’s like seeing environments through multiple lenses, which is incredibly inspiring. Since I joined the team at the beginning of 2025, it’s been such a cool experience. I haven’t yet contributed to the current product line, but now that the ball is rolling, things are beginning to take shape.

I’ve started meeting the whole team, connecting with product designers and developers. Being in Portland recently was a big moment—it was an in-depth experience where I got to sit down with a lot of the design team. Over the past few weeks, I’ve begun testing a wide range of products. The whole athlete testing process has been incredibly impressive. What really stood out is how genuinely eager the designers and developers are to receive feedback. You really feel that the athletes’ voices are heard and valued—and that’s incredibly refreshing.

I’m genuinely excited to keep contributing. For example, I’ll be spending a lot of time with the Sylan—it’s going to be a key shoe for me. Between the Sylan, the Nivalis and the Norvan, I’ll be focusing a lot on providing feedback and being involved in every iteration of the testing process. I’m really, really excited about how Arc’teryx collaborates with its athletes—inviting us to be part of the entire journey, not just the final product.

On the communication side, especially in terms of elevating the process through social media, that’s something we’ll continue to explore and shape together. It feels like we’re in year one of what’s going to be a long-term relationship—not only between me and the brand, but also in terms of Arc’teryx making a bold step into trail and mountain running. That, to me, is really special.

So far, I’m deeply impressed by everything—especially the kind of holistic support the team offers. We were just at team camp, not only with the team, but also with a Sports Psychologist, a Physiotherapist, an Athlete Chef, Social Media Specialists and more, and I haven’t seen many other brands doing things in quite the same way. It’s clear Arc’teryx is moving into this space with intention, depth, and a unique vision. And that makes me really excited for what’s ahead.”

In your bio, you describe the Canyons 100k as a kind of epiphany—something of a pivotal step in your career as an ultrarunner. Was that the moment you fully realized your athletic potential? And what other key moments have helped shape your journey and your self-awareness as an athlete?

“I think Canyons was the pivotal, life-changing moment—that instant when everything shifted. It was the first time I felt like, ‘whoa, this is the international stage.’ A complete dark horse moment, filled with shock and wonder. It truly marked a turning point in my journey.

But I wouldn’t say it was the moment I fully grasped my potential—that’s something I see as a lifelong process. Every training session, every race, every effort is another step toward understanding what I’m capable of. And I believe that sense of discovery will never really end. There will always be new lessons to learn, and more layers to uncover.”

“The mountains make motivation effortless.” As a van-lifer and someone deeply in love with the outdoor world, could you share some of the places that have most inspired you—both as an athlete and as an explorer driven by curiosity?

“I got into van life because it gave me the freedom to explore more deeply—to immerse myself in new places, new regions, and to train with intention, especially when preparing for specific races. I’ve always thrived on novelty, which is something I’ve actually been working on with a sports psychologist—learning how to still find joy in the familiar, like the trails in my own backyard.

That said, I tend to find beauty almost everywhere. But of course, it helps when there are mountains, trails, oceans, or lakes nearby. Those landscapes fuel something essential in me—and they’re a powerful reminder of just how important it is to protect these places. Over the past few years, I’ve traveled a lot throughout the U.S.—California, Tahoe, Salt Lake, the Tetons. I’ve spent time in the Rockies of British Columbia, the coastal ranges in Canada… And I absolutely love Europe—the Alps in particular have a special pull. Honestly, everywhere has special places to explore, often just off the beaten path.”

You’re also a coach, and we’re intrigued by your holistic approach. Could you walk us through your philosophy and what sets your method apart?

“My approach to coaching, especially in one-on-one settings, is deeply rooted in a holistic perspective. For me, it’s essential to view the athlete not just as a runner or a performer, but as a whole human being. That means going far beyond training plans or strength work. It’s about tuning into the full spectrum of what shapes an athlete’s life—mental resilience, emotional wellbeing, work stress, relationships, career pressures, family dynamics, and more.

We talk about nutrition—not just during training or racing, but daily nourishment and long-term habits. We focus on recovery, prehab, and injury prevention. The result is a coaching relationship that’s far more involved and multidimensional—built on deeper communication, greater trust, and a more sustainable, fulfilling journey for the athlete. Ultimately, it always comes back to the individual: their values, their vision, and the kind of life they want to lead. That’s the power of the holistic lens—it brings everything into alignment.”

After exploring your multidimensional life, could you share some of your short- and long-term goals, both personally and professionally?

“My long-term goal, above all, is to stay healthy—in both body and mind—and to maintain a consistent, sustainable training rhythm that will hopefully allow me to keep running well into old age. In the shorter term, I’m focused on continuing to compete at the global level, pushing my limits, and staying open to discovery—remaining curious about what I’m capable of, and what new challenges might teach me.

Beyond performance, I also feel a strong personal and professional calling to inspire meaningful dialogue around environmental stewardship and tangible action. That work is deeply important to me. Equally significant is my commitment to leading conversations around RED-S (Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport) prevention and awareness—a topic that is incredibly close to my heart, and one I feel strongly about advocating for in the endurance and outdoor sport communities.”