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 that the runner had died “in the company of friends and family.”
The sheep farmer from Gosforth, Cumbria, first started racing in 1960 and emerged victorious in several races, earning the nickname Iron Man.
He remained an avid runner for the rest of his life, serving as a source of inspiration to other runners around the world who broke various records.
Naylor has run the fastest known times on the Pennine Way, Welsh 3,000ers and Three Peaks, and has even beaten the Lake District 24 Hours three times.
Running legend Joss Naylor MBE, also known as King Of The Fells, has died aged 88. Running legend Fell Joss Naylor MBE, also known as King Of The Fells, has died aged 88.
At the age of 80, he ventured almost 50km from Caldbeck to Wasdale in memory of his father Joe while also raising funds for the Brathay Trust, a youth development charity.
Three years later, the athlete even completed the Lake District Mountain Trial, a challenge he was unable to complete in 1962 due to bad weather and cramp.
In 1983, the extraordinary athlete also completed the Lakes, Meres and Waters event, which included a 20,000-foot, 105-mile climb, in just 19 hours and 14 minutes.
He also ran through the 214 Wainwrights in just seven days at the age of 50, and then ran 70 Lakeland Falls at the age of 70.
In an interview with BBC Countryfile in February 2021, he revealed that he still ran two or three times a week.
He describes the mountain tops as “the best views on the planet.”
Mr Naylor was known for his humble spirit and his support of other mountain runners.
While residing in a care home after suffering 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 the body have to be right that day, so I was lucky to be able to perform at the right moments.”
‘It was particularly difficult to keep going during the heatwaves, but I received a lot of support from friends, family and the trail running community.
He added: “There are a lot of good people involved in this sport. In my opinion they are the best people on this earth and I am very proud to be associated with them.
‘We all like to come together and many of the challenges I have mentioned are often undertaken to raise money for various charities.
“I was fortunate to be recognised for my charity work and achievements with an MBE.”
There was an outpouring of condolences from all quarters after the death of the runner was announced, who was awarded an MBE for his services to charity and sport.
Stuart Ferguson, President of the Fell Runners Association, said: “We are hugely saddened by the news that the legend Joss Naylor has passed away.
“Joss inspired many and will always be remembered for what he gave to our unique sport.”
The Brathay Trust, for whom the runner raised a staggering £40,000 between 2007 and 2019, also released its own statement.
He would attend all of the charity’s fundraising runs until he suffered 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 organization.
‘Joss’s legendary exploits as a runner and his tireless advocacy for young people resonated with us all.
‘His spirit of adventure, resilience and love of the Lake District inspired countless people, both within and outside 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 resonate in the hills and valleys he traversed and in the hearts of those he touched.”
The Welsh 1000m Peaks Race shared a heartfelt statement, stating that Mr Naylor created a “legacy of excellent racing”.
They said: ‘The trail and trail running community across the UK will have been touched by his stalwart presence for decades and now by his sad passing.
‘Thank you for leaving a legacy of excellent performance in the Welsh 1000m Peaks Race, with many notable victories in the early years of the race in the 1970s.’