FELL running legend Joss Naylor is aiming to rewrite his racing history by returning at the age of 83 to finish a gruelling fell race he first entered when he was in his twenties.
Mr Naylor will run the Lake District Mountain Trail in memory of George Brass, the only runner who finished the 1962 event out of the field of 55 after severe bad weather made conditions almost impossible.
A severe test of stamina and navigation, and still held every autumn, the Mountain Trail involves ascents and descents of almost 8,000 feet on varying routes in the Lake District.
Mr Naylor has completed every event since 1960 with the sole exception of that infamous 1962 event, when he was forced to retire due to severe cramp and the appalling weather conditions.
Even since then, he has been determined to complete what he sees as unfinished business and this year will run the event to raise funds for Lake District youth charity Brathay Trust, which he has already raised more than £50,000 for over the years.
“Joss likes a challenge and he’s devised a few over the years to mark various milestones,” said Brathay’s Head of Fundraising Scott Umpleby, a fellow long distance fell runner and a personal friend
“In 1986, aged 50 he ran all the Wainwrights in seven days, at 60 he ran 60 Lakeland fell tops in 36 hours and at 70 Joss ran 70 Lakeland fells.
“And last June he trekked 30 miles from his birthplace at Wasdale Head to Brathay’s base near Ambleside.”
Mr Umpleby said Mr Naylor’s plan was to set off at 10am on the day of the event, Saturday, July 20, and take the route of the 1962 Mountain Trail from Kirkstone Pass, over Stoney Cove Pike, on to Thornthwaite Crag and High Street. He will then start his descent at Angle Tarn and finish in Patterdale via Place Fell.
“This incredible man continues to be an inspiration to all and we are very fortunate to have his support,” said Mr Umpleby.
Anyone wishing to make a donation or to send a well-wishing message to Joss can do so via his JustGiving page at: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/joss1962
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