A body has been recovered after talented runner Edward Catmur was reported missing in the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty on New Year’s Eve.
Catmur, from London, had set out to run a fell route from Dufton to Cross Fell – the highest mountain in the Pennines – and Hartside Cross. The 40-year-old runner was reported missing after no communication had been received from him since 10am on New Year’s Eve (31 December 2023).
A search for Catmur, led by Penrith Mountain Rescue Team and involving Cumbria Police and volunteers, began at around 5.45pm on New Year’s Eve along his planned route.
The search continued into the early hours and resumed at first light on New Year’s Day. Additional resources – including search dogs, drones and the Great North Air Ambulance and HM Coastguard helicopter – were called in to help until a police helicopter made a find at around midday.
Catmur’s long list of achievements includes victories at the North Downs Way 100 and Milton Keynes Marathon and impressive finishes at the Comrades Marathon and the 106-mile Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc.
Catmur’s family members have been informed.
