Ultra-Marathon Champion Dies During Cape Wrath Trail Attempt
A 35-year-old ultra-marathon champion from Dumfries, David Parrish, has died while running in the Scottish Highlands.
Parrish was attempting to set a new record for the fastest completion of the Cape Wrath trail, a demanding 234-mile (376 km) route stretching from Fort William to Cape Wrath.
The former Royal Marine was found deceased in the remote mountainous region of Kintail, located in the north-west Highlands, on Saturday evening.
Police Scotland reported that he was discovered in the area at approximately 22:25.
"There are no suspicious circumstances and his next of kin are aware,"the police statement confirmed.
Experienced Runner and Record Holder
Parrish was a seasoned ultra-marathon runner who had won the Cape Wrath Trail race in 2023, despite having competed in the sport for only a few years.
The Cape Wrath trail, which traverses the regions of Lochaber, Knoydart, Applecross, and Torridon, is regarded as one of the most challenging routes in the United Kingdom.
Fundraising Effort in Memory of a Friend
For this latest challenge, Parrish was running the route to raise funds for Scottish Mountain Rescue in memory of his close friend, Luke Ireland.
Luke Ireland, a 20-year-old Royal Marine from Monifieth, died while running in the mountains of Glen Clova in Angus in November 2014.
On his fundraising page, Parrish wrote about the dedication of mountain rescue volunteers, stating that they searched tirelessly for Luke and are available
"365 days a year to respond to emergencies in the mountains and remote areas of Scotland."
The charity page has raised thousands of pounds, with many tributes paid to Parrish by supporters.
Background and Running Career
Parrish was a member of the Dumfries Running Club, where he earned the title of club champion in 2022.
He began running in his late teens, gradually progressing to competitive racing in his early 20s, participating in various local 5 km and 10 km events.
After joining the Royal Marines, Parrish spoke about using running as a means to decompress from the demands of military service.
Following his departure from the service, he competed in Parkruns and completed a walk of the Cape Wrath Trail in 2021.
Tributes from Photography Company
Parrish was photographed during the 2023 Cape Wrath event by No Limits Photography. The company’s owners, Harriet D'Alessio and Christiaan Le Roux, paid tribute to him on Tuesday.
"David has always been such a joyful person and an inspirational ultra marathon athlete to spend time with,"
"The world and the sport will be a far lesser place without him."
