The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Glen Lyon runner search ends in tragedy
Rescuers searching for a missing fell runner have recovered a body near a Munro in Highland Perthshire.
Police, Tayside Mountain Rescue and a Coastguard helicopter had been searching for Chris Smith near Invervar, between Loch Ta y and Loch Rannoch, since Tuesday.
The Team GB international hill runner and dad of two failed to return from a run.
Mr Smith, who recorded top 10 finishes at the Mountain Running World Championships in 2015 and European Championships in 2013, had been on holiday in the area with his family.
He was confirmed as missing on Tuesday evening, a few hours after he was due back from a run around four Munros in Glen Lyon.
The 43-year-old’s family said they were devastated that the search had ended in tragedy.
Brother-in-law Billy Milligan posted on Facebook: “On behalf of the entire family, we are devastated to let you know that Chris lost his life in Glen Lyon.
“He was doing what he loved having spent the previous days having the most special time with Lindsay, Cameron and Alastair.
“We would like to thank everyone for the support they have given us, in particular the mountain rescue teams, emergency services, members of the public and Chris’s friends that joined the search.
“We will always treasure his energy, spirit and love. Thank you for your thoughts and prayers.”
Rescuers were contacted when Mr Smith did not return.
A GoFundMe page set up by fellow GB international runner Marc Scott to support Scottish Mountain Rescue in the search, raised more than £4,500.
British and European record holder Marc tweeted: “Chris was a great role model when I was running on the fells and mountains back in the day.”
Rescuers found the body of a man just before noon yesterday, and contacted Mr Smith’s family.
A spokesperson said: “Police Scotland can confirm that at around 11.50am on Thursday 29 October 2020 the body of a man was found near to Me all Ga rb hint he Glenlyon area.
“Formal identification has ye t to take place, however the family of missing 43 - year- old Chris Smith has been informed.
“Inquiries remain ongoing and a report will be submitted to the procurator fiscal.”
The Thames Valley Harrier, who trained as a youngster with Aberdeen Amateur Athletics Club, lived in Sussex.
Scottish Athletics CEO Mark Munro tweeted: “This is devastating news... Our thoughts and prayers are with Chris’s family and friends at this time.
“( He was) not only a great athlete but a genuinely great person.”