'Inspirational' ultra-marathon runner, 35, dies while trying to beat world record on Highlands trail in honour of friend

Published: 12:20, 15 April 2026 | Updated: 12:29, 15 April 2026 An 'inspirational' ultra–marathon runner has tragically died while attempting to defeat a world record in honour of his late friend. David Parrish, 35, was a former Royal Marine and elite athlete, who was attempting to set a new world record for the fastest crossing of the 234–mile (376km) Cape Wrath Trail. The champion runner was discovered in the remote Kintail mountains of the north–west Highlands at approximately 10.25 pm on Saturday. Police Scotland confirmed that there are no suspicious circumstances surrounding his death and noted that his next of kin have been informed. A seasoned ultra–marathoner, 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. 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, tragically lost his life during a mountain run in the Glen Clova area of Angus in November 2014. 35–year–old David Parrish was attempting to set a new world record for the fastest crossing of the 234–mile (376km) Cape Wrath Trail Parrish had already won the Cape Wrath Ultra in 2023, his first ultra race, in a total time of 45:28:48, the second-fastest time in the event’s history Parrish was dedicating his record–breaking attempt to his late friend, Luke Ireland (pictured together) Parrish wrote on his fundraising page: 'Alongside fellow Marines, volunteers from the Scottish Mountain Rescue deployed in large numbers to search tirelessly for Luke and, tragically, bring him off the hill.' Parrish had already won in a total time of 45:28:48, the second fastest time in the event's history.  News of Parrish's passing has triggered a wave of tributes on his fundraising page, 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, 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. No comments have so far been submitted. Why not be the first to send us your thoughts, or debate this issue live on our message boards. By posting your comment you agree to our house rules. Do you want to automatically post your MailOnline comments to your Facebook Timeline? Your comment will be posted to MailOnline as usual. Do you want to automatically post your MailOnline comments to your Facebook Timeline? Your comment will be posted to MailOnline as usual We will automatically post your comment and a link to the news story to your Facebook timeline at the same time it is posted on MailOnline. To do this we will link your MailOnline account with your Facebook account. We’ll ask you to confirm this for your first post to Facebook. You can choose on each post whether you would like it to be posted to Facebook. Your details from Facebook will be used to provide you with tailored content, marketing and ads in line with our Privacy Policy.