Legendary runner Joss Naylor, who was known as “King of the Fells” for his long runs, has died at the age of 88.
The 88-year-old fell runner Joss Naylor, who was known as the “King of the Fells,” has died.
The famous runner from Cumbria died on Friday night “with family and friends by his side.”
The news was confirmed today at the Climbers Shop in Ambleside, where sad tributes were pouring in.
People were impressed that Joss, a sheep farmer, ran the fastest times on the Three Peaks, the Welsh 3,000ers, and the Pennine Way.
Also, three times he broke the Lake District 24-hour record.
“So many people were inspired by him,” the Fell Runners Association said after hearing of Joss’s death.
Stuart Ferguson, Chairman of The Fell Runners Association, said, “We are very sad to hear that Joss Naylor has died. He was a legend.”
“Joss inspired so many and will be ever remembered for what he gave to our unique sport.”
“Joss still holds the record for running up and down England’s highest peak in 47 minutes,” wrote close friend Terry Abraham in a touching tribute on social media.
“A humble, down-to-earth man whose amazing athleticism was admired and known all over the world, not just in Cumbria.”
“People today use the word “legend” too loosely.
It’s true that Josh Naylor was a legend. The Marvel superhero. He was the king of the falls.
“His nicknames go on and on across generations.”
When he was 24, Joss started running. He was born on February 10, 1936, in Wasdale Head, Cumbria.
Just seven days after turning 50, he finished all 214 Wainwrights.
In the next 10 years, the legend ran 60 Lakeland fell-tops in 36 hours. When he was 70 years old, he went on to run 80 Lakeland fells.
He was given an MBE in 2007 for his outstanding contributions to sports and charity.
As a patron of the Brathay Trust, Joss raised an amazing £40,000 through his races.
Fundraising manager Scott Umpleby said, “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.”
He was always so happy, and people would wait in line to see him because he was so famous.
It was his plan to come and watch last year, even though he was in a wheelchair.
“Being a teenager in the 1980s, when I started fell running and racing, Joss was already a legendary figure to me.” He really impressed me.
The 1000m Welsh Peaks Race paid tribute to him on Facebook, writing, “The fell and mountain running community across the UK will have been touched by his steady presence over decades, and now his sad death.”
“Thank you for your many notable wins in the early 1970s Welsh 1000m Peaks Race and your legacy of great running in that race.”
“Diolch yn fawr iawn Joss Naylor – gorffwys mewn heddwch.”