The Legend of Joss Naylor: Iron Man of Fell Running
The remarkable figure known as Joss Naylor, hailed as the “Iron Man” of fell running, embodied the spirit of the somewhat eccentric sport of off-trail mountain racing in England. A dedicated sheep farmer, Naylor undertook grueling multiday marathons across the treacherous and rugged terrain of northern England, enduring unimaginable physical challenges. His journeys often resulted in the loss of all ten toenails, the skinning of his soles, and even the occasional kick from a disgruntled cow.
During these intense competitions, which sometimes stretched over a week, Naylor fueled his body with an unusual diet. He survived primarily on scone-like cakes and a unique concoction of black currant juice, enhanced with a dash of salt and cod liver oil — a mixture he famously consumed straight from the bottle, likening the experience to taking a shot of whiskey.
Joss Naylor passed away on June 28 at a care home in Gosforth, a quaint village nestled in the heart of Cumbria, northwest England. He was 88 years old at the time of his death. His daughter, Gillian Naylor, revealed that the cause of death was complications arising from several recent illnesses, including a stroke.
Naylor’s extraordinary achievements in fell running were nothing short of legendary. He defied the limits of human endurance, earning him a plethora of affectionate nicknames, such as “Iron Man” and “King of the Fells.” His most notable accomplishment came in 1971 when he became the sixth person ever to complete the demanding Bob Graham Round — a challenging 24-hour endeavor that involves traversing a 66-mile route over 42 peaks in the breathtaking Lake District of Cumbria. Not only did he complete this iconic challenge, but he also surpassed expectations by conquering an astounding 61 peaks in just 23 hours and 37 minutes.
The following year, Naylor pushed the boundaries even further, scaling 63 peaks in under 24 hours during the same challenge. His relentless pursuit of excellence culminated in 1975 when he achieved the remarkable feat of summiting 72 peaks, again finishing in less than 24 hours. Joss Naylor’s legacy lives on, inspiring future generations of fell runners to embrace the wild and beautiful landscapes of England.
