Athlete Trying to Break World Record in Memory of Friend Dies

British ultramarathon runner David Parrish has died while attempting to break a world record in honor of his late friend.

Lent.az reports, citing foreign media, that the 35-year-old athlete, a former Royal Marine, was attempting to complete the 234-mile "Cape Wrath Trail" route in Scotland. His body was found in the remote Kintail mountain area in the northwest of the country.

Parrish dedicated his run to raising funds for the Scottish Mountain Rescue Organization in honor of his friend, Luke Ireland, who died of hypothermia while running in 2014. Rescuers led the search for the young man.

Police said there were no signs of foul play. The athlete's family has already been informed.

Parrish was considered an experienced ultramarathon runner. In 2023, he won the Cape Wrath Trail race, recording the second fastest time in the history of the race - 45 hours 28 minutes and 48 seconds. This 370-kilometer route passes through remote areas of the Scottish Highlands and is considered one of the most difficult trails in Great Britain.

Since the tragedy, the athlete has received numerous messages of support - friends and colleagues call him a true source of inspiration. The charity initiative has already raised several thousand pounds.

The athlete himself has repeatedly stated that running helped him cope with the effects of military service. After leaving the army, he actively participated in running competitions and in 2021 he first completed the "Cape Wrath Trail" on foot, then returned to conquer it as a competitor.

Last September, Parrish also won the Dragon's Back ultramarathon, a six-day, 380-kilometer race in the Welsh mountains in the men's category.