Ultra-marathon champion dies while running Cape Wrath trail through Highlands in honour of friend

An ultra-marathon champion died while running a trail in honour of a friend in the Highlands.

Over the Easter Weekend, David Parrish, who was a previous winner of the Cape Wrath Ultra in 2023, attempted to set the record time on the Cape Wrath trail, a route that is over 230 miles (376km) from Fort William to the Cape Wrath lighthouse.

The run was in memory of his friend, Luke Ireland, who died from hypothermia while running the mountains of Glen Cova in Angus in November 2014.

The former Royal Marine was running the route to raise funds for Scottish Mountain Rescue, which he said had searched tirelessly for the late 20-year-old.

The trail is considered one of the most challenging routes in the UK and covers Lochaber, Knoydart, Applecross and Torridon.

Police Scotland said the body of Parrish was found in the Kintail area around 10.25pm on Saturday. Volunteers from Kintail Mountain Rescue Team led the recovery near Meallan Odhar in Glen Shiel.

There are no suspicious circumstances and his family has been made aware.

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.”

Kintail Mountain Rescue said that he died “doing what he loved”, while Scottish Mountain Rescue said they were “deeply saddened” by the death.

A spokesperson said: “Our thoughts are with David’s family and friends at this incredibly difficult time.

“David was an experienced hill goer 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.

“Everyone at Scottish Mountain Rescue 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”.

Multiple tributes have been left to Parrish on his fundraising page, with one describing him as “inspirational, generous and unfailingly positive”.

“Moved by this heartbreaking story”, another read. “RIP David – you were doing what you loved for a great cause.”

Almost £10,000 has now been raised, and you can donate here.