Former Head of School Jon Strong (S, 1977–84) is marking his retirement from a distinguished career in teaching by completing an extraordinary marathon challenge nearly three decades in the making.

Jon retired from Dame Allan's Schools in Newcastle this summer, having spent 28 years inspiring generations of pupils through his teaching of modern languages. Earlier in his career, he also taught at Harrow School and Westminster School.

In October, Jon will travel to Jersey to complete the 26th and final race in his remarkable A–Z of marathons. Since beginning the challenge in 2014, he has run races across the UK and Europe, from major city marathons in Venice and Rotterdam to more unusual events such as the X-ray Marathon in Germany and the Quijote Marathon in Spain.

The letter "J" has proved particularly elusive. The Jersey Marathon takes place during the school term and, as a committed environmental campaigner, Jon avoids flying wherever possible. Ferry schedules had therefore made it impossible for him to complete the race and return in time for school on Monday morning.

"Retirement finally gives me my big chance to cross the finish line," Jon said.

Jon has so far completed 25 marathons, most in under three hours and 30 minutes, with a personal best of two hours and 58 minutes. Much of his training has taken place on the playing fields at Dame Allan's, where he estimates he has completed thousands of laps around his teaching commitments.

During his career at Dame Allan's, Jon introduced Spanish throughout the school and later became Head of Modern Languages. He is remembered fondly for making language learning lively, accessible and enjoyable.

Jon will complete his A–Z challenge at the Jersey Marathon on Sunday 4 October 2026. We congratulate him on his outstanding teaching career and wish him every success as he approaches this remarkable final milestone. Read more