JONATHAN BRUNEY is a dedicated endurance coach who blends data-driven training with a relational, confidence-building approach to help athletes succeed in both sport and life. He empowers athletes to break through mental and physical barriers while balancing performance with real-life demands.

A recent finisher of the IRONMAN World Championship in Nice, France, Jonathan brings both lived experience and a proven transformation pathway to the athletes he coaches. His journey in the sport began in 2021, where he crossed the line of his first 70.3 in 6 hours and 45 minutes. Through purposeful training, smart execution, and a commitment to growth, he progressed to a 4 hour and 22 minute 70.3 and qualified for the World Championship at Ironman Maryland, establishing himself as a competitive age-group athlete. Jonathan is still pushing his own limits, with goals to PR both the IRONMAN 70.3 and 140.6 distances in 2026, and ultimately pursue earning his professional triathlon license in the years ahead.

Jonathan’s athletic story began long before triathlon. Growing up in South Carolina, he ran cross country and track, competing at the State Championship level and building the discipline and competitiveness that now fuel his coaching and training. His energy, enthusiasm, and connection with people grew even stronger as he served as the University of South Carolina’s mascot, “Cocky,” from 2015–2018, where he became known for bringing encouragement, joy, and spirit everywhere he went; the same qualities he brings into coaching.

Outside of racing and coaching, Jonathan has an entrepreneurial background as the former owner of a solar sales brokerage, where he led and developed teams; skills that now translate into how he leads athletes. He is the founder of the Charlotte Ironman & Tri Club, a thriving and rapidly growing community of endurance athletes. Through monthly socials, club workouts, and a commitment to creating connection and belonging, he has built a culture that celebrates consistency, effort, and shared success.

Jonathan believes that athletics is a vehicle to becoming the strongest version of yourself; physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. His mission as a coach is to help athletes develop confidence, self-belief, discipline, and joy in the process, not just in the finish-line moment.

Achievements:

• IRONMAN World Championship Finisher – Nice, France (2025)

• 5x IRONMAN Finisher (Texas x2, Maryland, Florida, Nice France)

• 5x IRONMAN 70.3 Finisher (4:22 PR)

• Improved 70.3 time from 6:45 to 4:22

• 4:26 at the 'Meck Mile' (after 55-mile bike the same morning)

• 16:57 5k

• Qualified for IRONMAN World Championship at Ironman Maryland

• Founder of the Charlotte Ironman & Tri Club (200+ members)

• Multiple Spartan Race podium finishes

• Former Cross Country & Track Athlete

• Business Owner & Sales Leader