Team Jon Over: Running Together Against Motor Neurone Disease

Taking part in the Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon in 2026 is Jon Over, who received the devastating diagnosis of motor neurone disease (MND) earlier this year, aged just 43.

Having served in the Royal Navy for 23 years, Jon had been fit and healthy, even playing in the Royal Navy’s rugby team. The shocking news came after Jon first experienced symptoms back in January, shortly after moving house.

In his time in the Navy, Jon worked closely with Alistair Crawford, and they’ve remained friends since.

“There’s a degree of love, care and camaraderie between people who have served in the military that is hard to explain.”

Jon revealed to Alistair that he had always longed to complete a marathon, and Alistair knew instantly that he would do all he could to make it happen for his friend.

“After Jon was diagnosed with MND, I went to see him pretty quickly. We had a lengthy chat and Jon mentioned that because of his MND, his hopes of one day completing a marathon had been dashed.”

“I said instantly ‘let’s just do it!’ We laughed at first, not really taking it seriously but the idea was born.”

Alistair will push Jon round the course in an adapted racing wheelchair, and while Alistair is a keen runner, having recently completed a 100km ultra marathon, this presents a unique challenge.

“I’ve got my health and my ability and I want to use that to help Jon accomplish what he wants to do.”

Support for Jon and Alistair’s marathon idea began to grow, and their friends Adam Vincent, Matthew Stevens and Ryan Barnett came on board to join Team Jon Over. The team is made up almost entirely of veterans who say they ‘now want to serve again in a different way.’ 

Adam, Matthew and Ryan will run alongside Alistair and Jon, providing essential support to Jon throughout the race.

Alistair said: “As a team, we bring strength, solidarity and an unshakeable commitment to completing this challenge with Jon.”