Fell runner guard of honour for legend's funeral

Fell runners are being invited to form a "colourful guard of honour" at the funeral of a record-breaking veteran athlete.

Joss Naylor, who was born in Cumbria and known as the King of the Fells, died last month at the age of 88.

His service will be held at St Olaf’s Church in Wasdale Head and relayed outside by loudspeaker.

In a post on social media, the Fell Runners Association said Mr Naylor’s family asked any attendees who could to wear club colours and arrive by running over any of the passes into the village.

"It was Joss’ wish that his funeral should be a colourful celebration of his life," the post said.

"The Naylor family invite all fell runners to join them at Wasdale Head on Friday 19 July and to form a colourful guard of honour as Joss takes the short journey to his final resting place."

Mr Naylor has been described as a legend by his friend Terry Abraham, who said he was "respected around the world".

The sheep farmer broke the Lake District 24-hour record three times and ran the fastest known times on the Three Peaks, Welsh 3,000ers and Pennine Way.

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

In 1986, Mr Naylor ran all 214 Wainwrights in seven days.

At the age of 60, he ran 60 Lakeland fell-tops in 36 hours and then, at 70, ran 70 Lakeland fells.

The funeral service will be held at 13:00 BST on 19 July.

Mourners not running to the ceremony are being asked to use public transport or car share.

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