Man completes A-Z marathon challenge in Jersey

Monday, 5 October 2026 13:49

By Harry Booth

Jon Strong speaking to Channel 103 at the finish line

A man from Newcastle has completed his epic A-Z of marathons here in Jersey!

Jon Strong, 61, started the challenge 12 years ago and crossed the finish line to rapturous applause yesterday at the Weighbridge.

His full, completed, A-Z list is:

A - Abingdon - 3:16
B - Brighton - 3:23
C - Chester - 3:03
D - Dorchester - 3:25
E- Edinburgh - 3:07
F - Fewston Yorkshire - 3:32
G - Ghent - 3:06
H - Hever Castle - 3:56
I - Isle of Man - 3:36
J - Jersey - 3:25
K - Kielder - 3:25
L - London - 3:09
M - Manchester - 3:05
N - Nottingham - 3:21
O - Oulton Park Cheshire - 3:23
P - Preston - 3:13
Q - Quixote Spain - 3:12
R - Rotterdam - 3:26
S - Stirling - 3:11
T - Tours France - 3:21
U - Utrecht - 3:30
V - Venice - 3:29
W - Wales - 3:31
X - X-ray Germany - 3:42
Y -York - 2:58
Z - Zurich - 3:11

Speaking to Channel 103 at the finish line, Jon said:

"I've picked them off bit by bit. I've done a Q marathon in Spain, I've done an X marathon in Germany, I've done Z for Zurich, and I saved for the very last, J for Jersey!

"I love your island, it's a beautiful island, and it's been a great way to finish.

"I thought the course was absolutely brilliant, really well thought out, really interesting. I love the Jersey countryside, I love the lighthouse at Corbière.

"The only problem is I'm from up north, and it's pretty hot here, the heat doesn't suit me, and I wilted a little bit!

"I loved the reused railway track, and I loved St Aubin's Bay with the view of Elizabeth Castle.

"I knew (the finish line) was coming because I had a wonderful surprise yesterday (Saturday). We went to La Hougue Bie, and unbeknownst to me, my wife had arranged for my children to come, and they were hiding in the burial ground!

"They're in their mid-20s now, so when I had around 400 metres to go, my daughter ran alongside me and encouraged me. So I knew the end was coming, I can't think of a better way to finish what I've been doing."

Jon came 46th in the men's race, and spread his arms wide as he crossed the finish line.

He also told us that despite completing his challenge, he has some unfinished business in the Channel Islands!

Jon added:

"I've tried to do the Guernsey Marathon twice - once the ferry got cancelled, and once I had an injury, so maybe I should go and do that!"