18th place in a World Major Marathon is big deal. Given that the invited elite field in Chicago was 34 spots for men in 2021, one wouldn't expect to see a number over 100 in the top 20. (Note: bib numbers are roughly ordered by qualifying time or seed time outside of the charity groups). As you'll see in the below video, even the volunteers who handed out the medals were shocked to see number 620, our own Heartbreaker, Flyer, and coach, Jonny Phillips, cross the line in 18th place overall. The highest bib number before him was 37 (results). He beat a lot elites in that race and cemented his status as the ultimate "game time" racer.
It was 78 degrees at the start of the 2021 Bank of America Chicago Marathon, a clear warning to every athlete that the day was going to be very hard and plans needed adjustment. Jonny adapted and performed. Of course, this was not out of the blue. Jonny ran at Cornell as an undergrad and at Michigan as a grad student. He was 40th overall at the 2020 USATF Olympic Marathon Trials, he's a sub-14:00 5K runner, a Mob Mile Champ, and he just keeps getting better.
Watch this long form retelling of his experience. It's an emotional roller coaster marked by gratitude from the Heartbreakers, from Coach Dan, and from Jonny himself. It's a window into the mind and experience of athletes competing at this level that offers lessons any marathoner can use. Jonny is a coach of the Heartbreakers and you can learn more about our Chicago Marathon digital and in-person training offerings here.
