Scottish ultramarathon runner dies during world record attempt in Highlands
Mr Parrish had previously won the Cape Wrath ultramarathon in 2023.
A “warm-hearted” runner and former marine has died while taking on an ultramarathon challenge in the Highlands.
David Parrish, 35, was found dead on Saturday at around 10.25pm in the Kintail region after mountain rescue teams launched a search to find him.
Mr Parrish, from Dumfries, had taken on the 234-mile Cape Wrath Trail, in which he was attempting to beat the world record.
He was running the route to raise money in memory of his friend, Luke Ireland, who died from hypothermia in November 2014 while running in the Glen Clova mountains.
The fundraiser, which has now passed the £9,000 mark, will go towards Scottish Mountain Rescue (SMR), who found and recovered Mr Ireland’s body.
Mr Parrish had previously won the Cape Wrath ultramarathon in 2023.
Volunteers 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 SMR 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.”
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 April 11 2026.
“There are no suspicious circumstances and his next of kin are aware.”
Mr Parrish’s family has asked for privacy.
The fundraiser for SMR is available here.
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