Marathoner Steve Jones MBE, OLY has today officially received the Freedom of the County Borough of Blaenau Gwent for his outstanding contribution to the world of running.
Councillors bestowed the honour at an online meeting – with record breaking Steve (well known as ‘Jonesy’) in attendance live from his home in Colorado, United States. Family and friends also dialled in for the momentous occasion.
Last year marked the 40th anniversary of Steve Jones’ momentous victory at the Chicago Marathon in 1984, a triumph that captivated the world and solidified his place in athletic history. On that day in 1984, Jones from Ebbw Vale not only crossed the finish line first but also shattered records, demonstrating an extraordinary blend of grit, determination, and sheer willpower. He set a new world record, completing the course in a remarkable 2 hours, 8 minutes, and 5 seconds.
This month also marks 40 years since Steve took the London Marathon title. His list of running achievements is impressive and can be found here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steve_Jones_(runner)
Steve’s legacy also includes winning the New York and Toronto Marathons.
Steve achieved all this while serving proudly in the Royal Air Force. The Air Officer Wales, Air Commodore Rob Woods, was also on the call and spoke about Steve’s service as an Airframe Technician, working on the C130 Hercules and F4 Phantoms.
From humble beginnings Steve, who turns 70 this year, has always been modest and grounded about his unbelievable achievements on the world stage. He once said, “I run with my head, my heart and my guts, because physically, I don’t think I’ve got a great deal of talent or ability. I started at the very bottom and worked my way up.”
Steve held the marathon record (2:07:13) for a British runner for 33 years until Mo Farah broke it in 2018!
His first ever break into the world of running was as part of a team from the Air Training Corps in Ebbw Vale. He was asked to take part in a cross-country championship at Barry Island after another cadet pulled out. He placed 5th that day in his ‘Woolworth’s’ daps and the rest as they say, is quite literally history!
Photo: Mike Powell
On receiving the honour today, Steve said:
“It’s a massive honour to receive the Freedom of the County Borough of Blaenau Gwent, my birthplace and my former home, where I have many family and friends. It’s an incredible feeling and one I imagine only the people who have received it before me can truly understand. I grew up like a lot of children and young people back then not having very much, but we Welsh working class we’re survivors, and I’m extremely proud of my roots! I didn’t have sophisticated running kit starting out, just some shorts and a t-shirt and my Woolworth’s daps, so I’d say to anyone that with hard work, determination and belief in yourself that you really can achieve anything. Thank you to everyone who has supported me throughout my running career, I really appreciate you all.”
Family man Steve lives with wife Annette, also from Ebbw Vale. He’s still involved with running, now coaching college leavers where he lives – how privileged they must feel having such a coach.
The Council continues to work in partnership with Parc Bryn Bach Running Club to commemorate Steve's achievements and showcase his victories in the local area. The aim is to ensure that future generations are inspired by his remarkable journey and that his legacy continues to motivate aspiring athletes.
Leader of Blaenau Gwent Council, Steve Thomas said:
“Steve Jones is a true legend whose story embodies the spirit of Blaenau Gwent! He remains humble to this day which is the measure of his character given his achievements that made heads in the running world spin. Steve is not only a globally recognised running icon but also one of our own—a man whose extraordinary journey from the heart of Ebbw Vale to international stardom is as inspiring as it is remarkable. His achievements are proof of what can be accomplished through sheer determination, grit, and unwavering passion. His story shows us that greatness doesn’t rely on privilege, but on perseverance, hard work, and an unshakable belief in oneself.
“Honouring Steve with this prestigious accolade is more than recognising his athletic brilliance, it’s about celebrating his role as a symbol of perseverance, excellence, and pride for Blaenau Gwent.
“It’s a tribute to a man who reminds us that even the most ambitious dreams are within reach, and it’s a call to inspire our youth to reach for greatness. Let’s ensure that Steve’s story remains a cornerstone of our shared heritage, forever reminding us of the power of resilience and the pride of our community.”
Lee Aherne, Chair of Parc Bryn Bach Running Club has been working closely with the Council on the plans to honour Steve. He says:
“As Chair of Parc Bryn Bach Running Club it was a great honour that Steve accepted our invitation to become our first honorary member in 2017. To see Steve go on to be awarded an MBE and now the Freedom of Blaenau Gwent is a testament to his outstanding athletic career.”
