More about the English Lakes
| More about the English Lakes |
JOSS Naylor is 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.
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.
Other Lakeland Spectator Sports
New
book honours fellrunning legend
Wasdale fellfarmer Joss has been flying over the fells for over 50 years...now
a new book tells his amazing tale. Find
out more at www.rivergretawriter.co.uk