The Joss Naylor Challenge is a fell running, ultra-distance traverse of the lake district, spanning 48 miles and taking in 30 summits. The route was first completed by fell running legend Joss Naylor in 1990 at the age of 54, and set out as a challenge specifically for ages 50 and over, with time limits set for different age groups. Mandy Goth of Todmorden Harriers made light work of the challenge on Saturday, setting off from Pooley Bridge with a time limit of 18 hours. After cruising along for most of the challenge, the final few summits became engulfed in mist, making navigation and movement across the fells slightly more challenging and slowing progress slightly. This was not enough to stop Mandy from absolutely crushing it though, arriving at the finish in Greendale Bridge in a total time of 16:56. This is the 2nd time Mandy has completed the challenge, citing that this was a much less stressful affair after her first completion where she finished only seconds within the cut off time. Mandy’s latest completion makes her the first and only woman able to boast multiple completions of the Joss Naylor Challenge. A hugely inspiring run from one of Todmorden Harriers most active and influential members.
