An ‘inspirational’ ultra–marathon runner has died while attempting to defeat a world record in honour of his late friend.
David Parrish, 35, a former Royal Marine and elite athlete, was attempting to set a new world record for the fastest crossing of the 234–mile Cape Wrath Trail.
The champion runner was discovered in the remote Kintail mountains of the north–west Highlands at approximately 10.25pm on Saturday.
Mr Parrish was dedicating his record–breaking attempt to fundraising for Scottish Mountain Rescue in honour of his late friend, Luke Ireland.
Ireland, a 20–year–old Royal Marine from Monifieth, died from hypothermia while running around Glen Clova in November 2014.
Mr Parrish’ was fundraising for Scottish Mountain Rescue after they ‘searched tirelessly for Luke and, tragically, brought him off the hill.’
Police confirmed there are no suspicious circumstances surrounding his death. His next of kin have been informed.
David Parrish was attempting to set a new world record for the fastest crossing of the 234–mile Cape Wrath Trail when he died
Mr Parrish was dedicating his record–breaking attempt to his late friend, Luke Ireland (pictured together)
A seasoned ultra–marathoner, Mr Parrish had previously dominated the Cape Wrath Trail race in 2023, a remarkable feat considering he had only entered the world of competitive running a few years prior.
The 234–mile route is notoriously brutal, cutting through the rugged landscapes of Lochaber, Knoydart, Applecross, and Torridon, and is widely regarded as one of the most gruelling challenges in the UK.
Mr Parrish had already won in a total time of 45:28:48, the second fastest time in the event’s history.
Tributes have flooded in, with friends and fellow competitors hailing him as a ‘true inspiration’.
Thousands of pounds have since been raised for the charity.
A prominent member of the Dumfries Running Club, Mr Parrish was crowned club champion in 2022, marking a significant milestone in a journey that began with local 5km and 10km races in his early twenties.
The former Royal Marine often spoke of running as a vital outlet for decompressing from the rigours of military service.
After leaving the forces, his passion for the sport accelerated, and he became a regular fixture at Park runs and first conquered the Cape Wrath Trail as a hiker in 2021 before returning to dominate it as a competitive runner.
Last September, he won first male finisher in the Dragon’s Back race, a six–day, 380km ultramarathon crossing the mountainous spine of Wales from Conwy Castle to Cardiff Castle.