As a professional runner, Steve Jones of Great Britain had a toughness and determination that stood out even among elite marathoners. He won the 1988 New York City Marathon in 2:08:20, the fastest time in the world that year. His margin of victory, 3 minutes and 21 seconds, remains the largest in the history of the five-borough race. He set a marathon world record of 2:08:05 with his win at the 1984 Chicago Marathon, and his 2:07:13 in Chicago in 1985 remains the British record.

Jones was never to be underestimated as a competitor. Known for his relentless work ethic, he was also impressively understated and humble. Even at the peak of his running career, he kept his position as a technician in the Royal Air Force, once noting that he was “one hamstring tear away from oblivion.”

A longtime resident of Boulder, CO, Jones works as a running coach. Reflecting on his accomplishments, he says: “I am a normal guy, I just trained very hard.”