A legendary fell runner has finally overcome the one challenge that had beaten him – almost six decades after cramp and terrible weather put paid to his first attempt.
Joss Naylor – known as Iron Joss – was forced to retire from the gruelling Lake District Mountain Trial 57 years ago.
But the 83-year-old sheep farmer said it was “unfinished business”.
And he raised a glass after completing the 18-mile course in six hours 10 minutes – including a sandwich break.
Joss said: “I’m not as fast as I used to be. I take it a lot steadier now, but I’ll always keep going.
“I had a pint of Guinness at the end.”
The race is held annually with the route varying each year over a number of peaks in the national park.
But the 1962 event, from Kirkstone Pass to Patterdale, was only completed by one of the 55 entrants.
Joss, who was 26 at the time, and has run the race many times over other routes, said: “The wind and rain were so bad on that day that you couldn’t even stand up.
“As you got down into the fells you disappeared into the mist.
“I had salt tablets to help the cramp but they dissolved in the storm.”
Despite quitting the 1962 race, Joss, of Wasdale, Cumbria, went on to become a fell running star, notching several records and earning an MBE.
He still holds the record, set in 1971, for the 24-hour National Three Peaks Challenge – where he raced up Scafell Pike, Ben Nevis and Snowdon in 11 hours 56 minutes.
His effort last Saturday was in aid of the Brathay Trust, for which he has raised more than £60,000 over the years.
Scott Umpleby, head of fundraising for the children’s charity, said: “Joss is still an inspiration to us.”
