More about the English Lakes
| More about the English Lakes |
JOSS Naylor was the tough wiry fellfarmer who took the sport of mountain running
to new heights during the decade. Running up one phenomenal feat after another,
the Wasdale farmer became better known as the King of the Fells or simply the
Iron Man as his name became legendary. Jos proved an inspiration to a new generation
keen to emulate his fantastic achievements. Sadly Jos passed away in 2024.
One of his finest came in 1972 when he slogged his way over 63 mountain peaks
and 92 miles of treacherous Lake District terrain to set up a world record for
endurance running. This was how The Whitehaven News reported it:- Naylor, at
35 years of age, rated the finest fell runner in Britain, completed the incredible
feat which involved a total climb of 35,000ft in a time of 24 hours.
The weary Wasdale farmer was assisted by a team of helpers and pacemen including
Chris Brasher, former Olympic gold medal winner. Naylor beat the record he set
up the previous year by two peaks and afterwards it was confirmed as an achievement
which had not been bettered anywhere in the world. The record could stand for
years because Naylor says he is unlikely to try to improve it further. "If
I could guarantee the weather I just might. "It is one hell of an undertaking.
Mentally you must concentrate and keep plugging away for 24 hours." It
was 9.35 a.m. on Sunday when Naylor saw the end of his ordeal as he crossed
the finishing line at Bracken Close in the Wasdale valley. Asked whether he
had experienced any difficulties, the amazing dalesman said: "I had a bad
time on Skiddaw. I was bothered with cramp but I got rid of it and finished
really well." He described the last 11 hours as "terrible" as
torrential rain which flooded rivers and footpaths threatened to end his assault
on the record. Naylor said that a troublesome leg which has plagued him this
season also stiffened up on the descent but the 9 stone runner kept going to
overcome all the odds. Naylor's epic run was given international spotlight because
NBC in America were there to televise it. Read about the tough Herdwick
sheep that Jos farmed at his Bowderdale holding.
*This summer(2000) Jos at the age of 64 takes part in 95 Wainwright Memorial
run for charity.
In 2019 at the age of 83 Jos plans to tackle the route of the 1962 Lake District
Mountain Trial. Joss was again fundraising to support Brathay Trust.
Other Lakeland Spectator Sports
Book
honours fellrunning legend
Wasdale fellfarmer Joss has been flying over the fells for over 50 years...now
a book tells his amazing tale. Find
out more at www.rivergretawriter.co.uk