Champion Ultra-Marathon Runner Dies on Cape Wrath Trail

David Parrish, a 35-year-old ultra-distance runner from Dumfries, has died in the Highlands. He was attempting a record run along the Cape Wrath Trail when he was found in the remote Kintail mountains.

Police Scotland located him at about 22:25 on Saturday. Officers said there were no suspicious circumstances and that his next of kin have been informed.

The route and the attempt

The Cape Wrath Trail runs roughly 234 miles (376km) from Fort William to Cape Wrath. It crosses Lochaber, Knoydart, Applecross and Torridon and is widely ranked among the UK’s toughest routes.

Parrish was trying to beat the fastest-known time on that route. He had previously won the organised Cape Wrath Trail race in 2023.

Reason for the challenge

He undertook the run as a fundraiser for Scottish Mountain Rescue. The effort honoured his close friend, former Royal Marine Luke Ireland.

Ireland, aged 20 and from Monifieth, died while running in Glen Clova in Angus in November 2014. Parrish said mountain rescue volunteers had searched tirelessly for his friend.

Career and personal background

Parrish was a former Royal Marine. He used running to decompress during his service.

He began running in his late teens and moved into competitive events in his early 20s. He ran local 5km and 10km races, then Parkruns after leaving the military.

Club achievements and past crossings

He was a member of Dumfries Running Club and served as club champion in 2022. He also walked the Cape Wrath Trail in 2021 before racing it in 2023.

Tributes and fundraising

Thousands of pounds have been raised on his fundraising page. Many friends and fellow runners posted tributes.

No Limits Photography captured Parrish during the 2023 event. Owners Harriet D’Alessio and Christiaan Le Roux described him as joyful and inspirational.

Filmogaz.com extends condolences to Parrish’s family, friends and running community. His loss has been deeply felt across the ultra-running world.