Fell running legend Joss Naylor MBE also known as King Of The Fells has died aged 88.
The Climbing Shop – located in Ambleside – announced his death on social media, adding the runner had passed away ‘in the company of friends and family’.
The sheep farmer originally from Gosforth, Cumbria first started running in 1960 and walked away victorious from several races earning the Iron Man nickname.
He remained an avid runner for the remainder of his life, serving as a source of inspiration for fellow joggers across the globe smashing several records.
Mr Naylor was held the fastest known time for Pennine Way, Welsh 3,000ers, the Three Peaks – and even broke the Lake District 24-hour three times.
Fell running legend Joss Naylor MBE also known as King Of The Fells has died aged 88Fell running legend Joss Naylor MBE also known as King Of The Fells has died aged 88
At the age of 80, he ventured nearly 50km from Caldbeck to Wasdale in memory of his father Joe whilst also fundraising for the Brathay Trust – a youth-development charity.
Three years later the sportsman even completed the Lake District Mountain Trial – a challenge he failed to complete in 1962 due to bad weather and a cramp.
In 1983, the extraordinary athlete also completed the Lakes, Meres and Waters event – which includes 20,000 feet climb as well as 105 miles – in just 19 hours and 14 minutes.
He also raced across the 214 Wainwrights in only seven days at the age of 50, later running 70 Lakeland fells aged 70.
In an interview with BBC Countryfile in February 2021, he revealed he was still running two or three times every week,
He describing the fell tops as ‘the best views on earth’.
Mr Naylor was renowned for his humble spirit as well as being supportive of other fell runners.
When he was residing in a care home following a stroke in 2021, he told Bradbury House: ‘I consider myself quite lucky with all the records and wins over the years.
‘The conditions and your body have got to be alright on the day, so I was fortunate I was able to perform at the right times.
‘It was particularly difficult to keep going during the heatwaves, but I received a lot of support from friends, family and the fell-running community.
He added: ‘There are a lot of good people involved in the sport. In my opinion, they’re the greatest people on this earth and I’m very proud to be associated with them.
‘We all like to club together and a number of the challenges I’ve mentioned are often run to raise money for various charities.
‘I was lucky enough to be recognised for my charity work and running achievements with an MBE.’
There has been an out-pour of condolences from far and wide after the death of the runner – who received an MBE for his services to charity and sport – was announced.
Stuart Ferguson the Chairman of the Fell Runners Association said: ‘We are hugely saddened by the news that the legend that is Joss Naylor has passed away.
‘Joss inspired so many and will be ever remembered for what he gave to our unique sport.’
Brathay Trust, who the runner raised an staggering £40,000 for between 2007 and 2019 – also released their own statement.
He would attend all of the charity’s fundraiser races until he had a stroke in 2021.
They said: ‘[Mr Naylor’s] unwavering commitment to our mission and his passion for the outdoors left an indelible mark on our organisation.
‘Joss’s legendary feats as a fell runner and his tireless advocacy for young people resonated with all of us.
‘His spirit of adventure, resilience, and love for the Lake District inspired countless individuals, both within and beyond our community.
The legendary runner was awarded an MBE in 2007 for his services to sport and charity, having raised £40,000 for the Brathay Trust between 2007 and 2019
‘As we mourn his loss, let us remember Joss Naylor as a beacon of determination, kindness, and camaraderie.
‘His legacy will forever echo through the hills and valleys he traversed, and in the hearts of those he touched.’
The Welsh 1000m Peaks Race shared a heartfelt statement, stating Mr Naylor created a ‘legacy of excellent running’.
They said: ‘The fell and mountain running community across the UK will have been touched by his stalwart presence over decades, and now his sad passing.
‘Thank you for leaving a legacy of excellent running in the Welsh 1000m Peaks Race, with many notable wins in the the race’s first years of the 1970s.’