Celebrating 70th birthday by run over 70 fell tops
Published: July 26, 2006
FELL-RUNNING legend JOS NAYLOR MBE celebrated his 70th birthday in style with an epic run over 70 fell tops.
He completed the remarkable feat in just 21 hours, on one of the hottest days of the year, covering more than 50 miles and ascending more than 25,000 feet.
The veteran runner set out from his home in the Wasdale Valley last Tuesday at 2am with a group of volunteer pacers to keep him on track. First port of call was Flat Fell near Wath Brow and then on to the other 69 peaks before returning home late that evening for a well-earned rest.
He said: “It was a wonderful day, and the Lake District was in all its glory. The views were spectacular, from sunrise on Crag Fell, then all day long to Pillar at sundown. “The word magic springs to mind!
“I had to put a lot of long fell days in to get myself trained up for this one, but it paid off.”
He was supported on his trip by family and friends keeping him company and bringing him supplies throughout the day.
“I was fortunate to have a superb group of people who were with me throughout the day,” he said, “My wife, MARY, was terrific, coordinating from back home at Greendale.
“It was nice to get to Stye Head Pass after about 16 hours and see my daughters, GILLIAN and SUE, waiting with food and lots of encouragement.
“Along with them was DAVID POWELL-THOMPSON who did a terrific job keeping me fed and watered on what was a very warm day.
“My pacers were excellent and I will always be grateful to STEVE STEELE, PETE NELSON, IRVINE BLOCK and JOHN GAYE who put in many hours with me. Other people who helped out with pacing were my son- in-law COLIN DULSON, BARRY JOHNSON and BARBARA NELSON.”
The sheep farmer was delighted with his feat, but now plans to take it easy, at least for a while.
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