Tributes pour in for running champion who died during charity run

THOUSANDS of people have paid tribute to the inspirational Dumfries runner and former Royal Marine, David Parrish, after he tragically died during a record-breaking mission in the Highlands. The 35-year-old was a titan of Dumfries Running Club, where he was crowned club champion in 2022, and was also an ultra-marathon victor. Last weekend, David was trying to beat the record for the fastest man to complete the Cape Wrath trail, a 234 mile route from Fort William to Cape Wrath. It was an event he had previously won. But concerns were raised when he was reported missing during his record attempt. And sadly, his body was recovered by volunteers from the Kintail Mountain Rescue Team at 10.25 pm on Saturday night in the remote Glen Shiel area. David was taking on the challenge to raise money for the Scottish Mountain Rescue charity and in memory of his close friend and fellow Royal Marine, Luke Ireland, who died of hypothermia while running in Glen Clova in 2014. Police Scotland have confirmed there are no suspicious circumstances surrounding David’s death.

Meanwhile, a spokesperson for Kintail MRT paid tribute to him, stating: “David was an experienced hill-goer and mountain runner who tragically died doing something he loved.” The loss has sent shock waves through the region and beyond. Tributes have poured in from running clubs across Scotland, describing him as a “generous, warm-hearted, and inspiring” athlete. Crichton parkrun released a statement expressing their sadness and adding: “David was a frequent participant in our parkrun with his little spaniel, more often than not crossing the line first.” Since the news of his passing, donations have flooded into David’s own JustGiving page. At the time of writing, the total had surpassed £12,000, and was quickly rising. To donate, go to www.justgiving.com/page/david-parrish-1