Ultra-marathon champion, 35, dies while attempting running challenge
35-year-old David Parrish was attempting to set a new record for completing the Cape Wrath trail
An experienced ultra-marathon champion has died while running in the Highlands.
35-year-old David Parrish was attempting to set a new record for completing the Cape Wrath trail, a 234 mile long route from Fort William to Cape Wrath.
The former Royal Marine, from Dumfries, was found in the Kintail area late on Saturday night.
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: "We were made aware of the death of a 35-year-old man found in the Kintail area around 10.25pm on Saturday, 11 April, 2026.
“There are no suspicious circumstances and his next of kin are aware.”
David previously won the Cape Wrath trail race in 2023.
It's considered to be one of the most challenging routes in the UK.
David was attempting the challenge to fundraise for the Scottish Mountain Rescue in memory of his friend Luke Ireland, who passed away in 2014 while running in the mountains in Glen Cova, Angus.
Thousands had already been raised, with the figure now rapidly increasing.
Tributes have been pouring in for David, including from organisers of the 'Race Across Scotland,' a coast to coast ultra-marathon.
They said: "It is with great sadness that we understand that Dumfries RC ultrarunning athlete David Parrish has passed away while on the Cape Wrath trail in the Highlands of Scotland.
"David was an absolute gentleman, an inspiration to so many and continued to push the boundaries of what is possible while raising vital funds for causes close to his heart.
"Our thoughts and sincerest condolences are with David’s loved ones, fiancée, family and friends.
"Among David’s podiums, David won the GB Ultras Ultra Scotland 50 mile race in 2025 as well as the Dragons Back Race (2025) and Cape Wrath Ultra (2023) taking all in his stride…
"Finishing the Ultra Scotland 50 last year, I recall David looking so very strong and it was clear to myself and the team that we were witnessing a great athlete."
olunteers from Kintail Mountain Rescue Team (KMRT) led the search for Mr Parrish, eventually finding his body.
A spokesperson for KMRT said: “Our thoughts are with David’s family and friends at this incredibly difficult time.
“David was an experienced hillgoer and mountain runner who tragically died doing something he loved.”
A spokesperson for Scottish Mountain Rescue said: “We are deeply saddened by the tragic passing of David Parrish during his fundraising challenge on the Cape Wrath Trail.
“His loss is felt sharply across our teams, and we extend our heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones at this incredibly painful time.
“David was a generous, warm-hearted and inspiring member of our community, who had chosen to take on this challenge in memory of a close friend who lost their life while running in the hills.
“David’s dedication to honouring his friend’s memory, while raising funds to support our service, truly moved us all. His fundraising efforts will support our volunteer teams as they continue to respond to emergencies across Scotland’s mountains, leaving a lasting legacy to both friends in the Scottish outdoors.”
The spokesperson added: “Everyone at SMR is devastated by this news.
“Our thoughts are with David’s family, friends, and all those affected by this tragic loss.
“We also remember Luke, in whose memory this challenge was undertaken, making this loss all the more profound.”