Fellrunner Joss Naylor, who died on 28 June 2024. Photo: Bob Smith Photography

Joss Naylor, an elder statesman of the fellrunning community, has died, aged 88.

The Wasdale farmer held many running records and was a familiar face at events in Cumbria and beyond.

He was appointed an MBE for his services to sport and charity in 2007.

Naylor began running in 1960 and posted numerous achievements over the next seven decades. He extended the Bob Graham Round in 1975 to take in 72 Lakeland peaks in less than 24 hours. The previous year, he had set a record for running the length of the Pennine Way in three days four hours, a time that was unbeaten for 15 years.

At the age of 50, he ran all 214 Wainwright fells in seven days; in 1997 he ran 60 Lake District felltops to celebrate his 60th birthday and 10 years later covered 70 Lakeland peaks in less than 21 hours.

Joss Naylor died on Friday evening, in the company of friends and family.

Stuart Ferguson, chairman of the Fell Runners Association, said: “We are hugely saddened by the news that the legend that is Joss Naylor has passed away.

“Joss inspired so many and will be ever remembered for what he gave to our unique sport. All our thoughts are with his family and friends.”