Harrogate Harriers' unique double at legendary challenge in Lake District

Harrogate Harriers fell runners Jonathan Whitaker and Helen Price recently achieved a unique double when both completed the Lake District “Joss Naylor Challenge” in consecutive weeks, finishing in 14:50 and 13:41 respectively.
By Graham Chalmers
Published 9th Sep 2020, 16:20 BST
Updated 9th Sep 2020, 16:23 BST
Harrogate Harriers fell runner Helen Price descending a gulley in the Lake District during the Joss Naylor Challenge. (Picture by Simon Franklin)Harrogate Harriers fell runner Helen Price descending a gulley in the Lake District during the Joss Naylor Challenge. (Picture by Simon Franklin)
Harrogate Harriers fell runner Helen Price descending a gulley in the Lake District during the Joss Naylor Challenge. (Picture by Simon Franklin)

This challenge was devised by the legendary shepherd and fell-runner himself and is open to runners aged over 50 and over only.

The route starts in Pooley Bridge, traversing east to west to finish in Wasdale, it covers 48 miles of arduous mountain terrain and takes in 17,000ft of ascent, topping 30 separate summits.

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The two Harriers experienced very different conditions with sweltering summer heat for Jonathan and heavy rain and wind for Helen, but despite this both went on to complete in impressive times.

Success! A weary but happy Helen Price at the end of the Joss Naylor Challenge. (Picture by Martyn Price)Success! A weary but happy Helen Price at the end of the Joss Naylor Challenge. (Picture by Martyn Price)
Success! A weary but happy Helen Price at the end of the Joss Naylor Challenge. (Picture by Martyn Price)

Helen became the first FV50 to complete the challenge this year, as well as one of just a handful of women to complete the challenge in recent years.

As a reward for their hard work they will both receive a silver tankard presented by Joss Naylor himself when restrictions will allow.

Both Helen and Jonathan are fell running veterans, having previously completed other extreme mountain challenges such as the notorious Bob Graham Round.

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Major Harrogate fair is cancelled for 2020 over Covid restrictions

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Related topics:Lake District