At the age of 88, renowned runner Joss Naylor, who was dubbed the “King of the Fells” for his lengthy runs, passed away.
The “King of the Fells,” Joss Naylor, an 88-year-old fell runner, passed away.
The well-known Cumbrian runner passed away on Friday night “surrounded by family and friends.”
At the Climbers Shop in Ambleside, where heartfelt tributes were being left, the news was confirmed today.
The fact that Joss, a sheep farmer, raced the quickest times on the Pennine Way, the Welsh 3,000ers, and the Three Peaks astounded many.
In addition, he broke the Lake District 24-hour record three times.
Upon learning of Joss’s passing, the Fell Runners Association stated, “So many people were inspired by him.”
“We are very sad to hear that Joss Naylor has passed away,” stated Stuart Ferguson, Chairman of The Fell Runners Association. He was a legendary figure.
“Joss will always be remembered for his contributions to our special sport and for inspiring so many people.”
“Joss continues to hold the record for the fastest time for running up and down England’s highest peak in 47 minutes,” posted a heartfelt tribute on social media by close friend Terry Abraham.
“A modest, grounded man whose extraordinary athleticism was recognized and appreciated not only in Cumbria but throughout the world.”
The term “legend” is used far too loosely these days.
Josh Naylor was a legend, it is true. The superhero from Marvel. He ruled over the falls as king.
“His monikers endure throughout the ages.”
At the age of 24, Joss took up jogging. On February 10, 1936, he was born in Wasdale Head, Cumbria.
After turning fifty, he completed all 214 Wainwrights in just seven days.
The legend ran 60 Lakeland fell-tops in 36 hours in the ensuing ten years. He went on to run eighty Lakeland fells when he was seventy years old.
In recognition of his exceptional achievements to sports and philanthropy, he was awarded an MBE in 2007.
As a Brathay Trust patron, Joss raised an incredible £40,000 through his racing career.
“He’s famous for how fast he ran, but he also used his running to help local charities, like helping kids and teens who are in need,” fundraising manager Scott Umpleby said.
People would line up to see him because he was so well-known, and he was always so joyful.
Even though he was in a wheelchair last year, it was his intention to go and observe.
“When I first started running and racing as a teenager in the 1980s, Joss was already a legendary figure to me.” I was quite impressed by him.
“The fell and mountain running community across the UK will have been touched by his steady presence over decades, and now his sad death,” the 1000-meter Welsh Peaks Race wrote in a Facebook tribute to him.
“I appreciate your many noteworthy victories in the Welsh 1000m Peaks Race in the early 1970s and your outstanding running legacy in that race.”
“Well done, Joss Naylor – you are truly amazing.”
