Ultra-Marathon Runner Tragically Dies on 234-Mile Cape Wrath Trail

David Parrish, 35, was found dead on Saturday night in a remote part of Kintail in the north-west Highlands. He had been attempting to set a fastest-time record on the 234-mile Cape Wrath Trail.

Discovery and circumstances

Emergency services recovered his body at about 10.25pm on April 11. The location was a mountainous, hard-to-reach section of the trail.

Parrish had postponed an earlier attempt over Easter because of poor weather. He resumed the challenge the following weekend to complete the route and raise money for Scottish Mountain Rescue.

Purpose of the run

The Dumfries man was running partly in memory of his close friend, Luke Ireland. Ireland, a 20-year-old Royal Marine, died from hypothermia after a sudden change in weather while running near Glen Clova.

Parrish’s fundraising page explained that mountain rescue volunteers had mounted a large search to recover Ireland. Parrish chose to support Scottish Mountain Rescue in response.

Career and Cape Wrath record

Parrish won the Cape Wrath Trail race in 2023. His finishing time was the second fastest recorded for the event.

He had only been racing competitively for a few years but rose quickly in ultra running circles. The Cape Wrath route begins in Fort William and covers some of Scotland’s toughest terrain.

Route and reputation

The trail crosses Knoydart, Kintail, Torridon, Assynt and Sutherland. It is widely regarded as one of the United Kingdom’s most demanding long-distance routes.

Personal background

Parrish was a former Royal Marine who began running in his late teens. He moved into competitive road and trail racing in his early 20s after leaving the armed forces.

He was a member of Dumfries Running Club and served as the club champion in 2022. He described running as a way to decompress from the stresses of infantry life.

Tributes and reactions

Messages poured in on his fundraising page. Friends and colleagues described him as positive, kind and inspirational.

• No Limits Photography owners Harriet D’Alessio and Christiaan Le Roux paid tribute. They called him joyful and an inspirational athlete.
• Several fellow runners and acquaintances offered condolences and recalled his achievements and warmth.

The ultra-marathon runner had sought to beat the fastest recorded time on the 234-mile Cape Wrath Trail. He tragically died during that attempt.

Police Scotland has been approached for comment and inquiries remain ongoing. Filmogaz.com will provide updates as further details emerge.