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.
Tuesday, 19 November 2024
Tuesday, 12 November 2024
Jann Smith (W55) - 31 May 2024
I first attempted the JNLC on 18/07/2019 when I was 50. It was bad weather and I felt bad reaching Greendale 14 minutes over the time of 14 hours as the lovely Joss was waiting for me.
Sty Head |
I re-attampted on my 55th birthday setting off at 4.05am. Things got off to a bad start with a very upset stomach, some pretty spicy weather and a fall, however at Dunmail Raise 2 immodiums were shoved down my throat and I was told to man up! After that the weather got much better , I force fed myself some food and drink and started to really enjoy it. I got stronger and was really pleased to make up 1.5 hours, finishing in 14hr 25 mins just 10 minutes slower than 5 years ago.
Greendale Bridge |
It was a low key affair with just one runner supporting ( my partner Paul Carman ) and just one road support at Dunmail and Styhead from John and Julie Carman who also provided dog-sitting ....Thank you!!
Selfie |
Wednesday, 6 November 2024
Carol Morgan (W50) - 16 March 2024
On a scale of achievements, I will never win an award for sleeping. After a restless night, we had an early morning start from Pooley Bridge and were rewarded with a beautiful sunrise as we climbed up Arthur’s Pike. Never one to make things too easy on myself, I wanted to try to do the challenge in under 12 hours (a late personal celebration of International Women’s Day on the day before Paddy’s day). The first leg is essentially a hard fell race. An introvert by nature, the quiet of the leg was comfortable for me, if probably seemingly uncharacteristic for the friends who were with me: I was working hard to make the splits. The beautiful start was replaced by clag around Kidsy Pike, next time I could see in the distance was around Dunmail Raise. Having trained all Winter in the wind, rain and clag, I was comfortable to trot along in it while the navigation wasn’t today, mine to worry about. We hit the little known tops that were seemingly randomly added and dropped down a grassy line to Kirkstone. So claggy it was that the support team were alerted by the supporter who had dropped off there, while the new team struggled up Red Screes complaining about their lack of time to finish their tea (I had little sympathy, I don’t like tea :)). The navigation challenges soon focused their brains and tea was forgotten about as banter about missed Hodgson’s relays lines was passed around. I felt a bit fatigued after the fast start and was happy to be cocooned in the clag and listen and enjoy the hills and banter. While admiring the skill of those who can navigate much much better than me.
Dunmail Raise arrived, along with some hugs, curry noodles and a fast turn around before the small matter of Steel Fell was addressed. Up, up and away over the bogs to High Raise. A brand new support team and more chat, the excitement of a new dad was palpable by all: a line discussion here and there: the beautiful Langdales fells and surrounding fells tantalising visible here and there through the clag. The achievement of finding a decent line off Great End and spotting the orange coat of the most enthusiastically dressed supporter at the stretcher box. Leg three over in flash! Another new team and the short climb up Gable, followed by the scree drop downwards: the rising winds which was in an unhelpful and unforecast direction (Southerly, rather than South-Easterly). The long climb up Pilar with a brief stop for waterproof trousers, a blowly Steeple and a husband hug all over in a flash. Memories of sunshine and Wasdale Fell Race reccies and the paradox of the beautiful descent being also longest climb on tired legs up Seatallan.
A hop, a skip and a jump down Middle Fell towards the lovely old bridge with watery eyes about another beautiful day out, a challenge achieved, but mostly about having brilliant friends to make it all happen.
Thank you all. Carol x
Photo credits: Kim Collison, Simon Franklin, Simon Mills, Jess Richardson, Debs White