Joss Naylor Lakeland Challenge: Dave Harrison (M55)

Introduction

The Joss Naylor Lakeland Challenge route leaves Pooley Bridge to traverse 30 summits over a distance of 48 miles and climbs 16,000 feet (77km, 4877m).

The inaugural run from Pooley Bridge to Wasdale was made by Joss Naylor in 1990, at the age of 54; in very bad weather with heavy rain and a strong SW wind Joss completed the run to Greendale Bridge in 11 hours and 30 minutes.

Chris Brasher offered engraved pewter tankards to the first 20 runners to do so with the proviso that they raised at least £100 for a charity of their own choice. In January 1997, with 17 tankards already awarded, Chris extended his sponsorship. In 2001, with 33 tankards awarded, Joss secured on-going sponsorship for the tankards.

The challenge is offered to fell runners over the age of 50 to complete the run in set times according to their age group. The challenge is intended to be a "supported run" for individuals - each contender is to be accompanied on every leg for safety reasons and unaccompanied attempts will not be recognised. There is more information on the Challenge Details page below.

If you are interested, please have a look at the Challenge Details, download a schedule or contact me using the email address on the Challenge Details page.

Friday, 11 January 2019

Dave Harrison (M55) - 05 May 2018

It's just gone 4am as I wander along the narrow lane. The valley air is filled with the growing dawn chorus and on either side sheep stir in dew covered fields. For the second time in as many days I watch as the dawn light seeps over the adjacent Lakeland hills and grows ever brighter. It's different though. Yesterday's dawn was soaked in anticipation, nerves and a need to deliver. Today's has a glow of satisfaction, the reminders of a great day in the hills, of a good job well done, of splits that were met, beaten, smashed and of a Shepherd’s Hand that was shook in the glorious sunshine of a May afternoon.

A day of great chat and many laughs and the only minor drama being when we cantered through Styhead with the resupply team still ten minutes down the valley (oops!) but the quick thinking and selfless legs of two supporters ensured that all was right by Black Sail. I could bore you with a pile of stats, of lines taken but it was simply a day when the hard work paid off, the legs sung, the gods smiled and with the help of some great friends a required sub 15 became a 12.22. A day to treasure in years to come. Thank you to all that made it possible.