An inquest has been opened into the death of a popular ultra runner and orienteer who died after being reported missing in the Eden Valley.
Ed Catmur, 41, is thought to have been on a training run along the Pennine Way while on holiday in Cumbria late last year.
Cockermouth Coroners’ Court heard this morning that Mr Catmur was reported missing on December 31. He had last been seen at around 10am on that date in the village of Dufton.
Mr Catmur’s body was found on New Year’s Day.
“He was located deceased by a member of the public in a field on Dufton Pike, in the area of Cosca Hill,” said Robert Cohen, assistant coroner for Cumbria, as he opened an inquest.
Cumbria police had issued a public appeal for information after Mr Catmur, from the London area, was reported missing. A force spokesman said he had been intending to run a route to Cross Fell and Hartside Cross, from Dufton.
His family was kept informed of developments as an extensive search was launched. It involved mountain rescue team volunteers and members of other agencies who were assisted by the use of dogs, drones and helicopters.
As Mr Catmur’s death was confirmed on New Year’s Day, a police spokesman said: “We would like to thank Penrith Mountain Rescue Team colleagues who spent long hours leading the search effort.”
A statement confirming Mr Catmur’s identity was admitted into evidence by the coroner, who adjourned the inquest to a preliminary date of August 29.
A tribute to Mr Catmur was posted on the I Run Far website following the recovery of his body.
“When news eventually filtered out, confirming that it was that of Ed Catmur, a sense of shock set in among those who knew him,” wrote Adrian Stott.
“We must emphasise Ed was an incredibly experienced runner, used to the terrain, and would have been prepared for the conditions and known the risks involved.
“Ed was from London and was a well known face, not just on the ultrarunning scene, but also in the orienteering community. He was a prolific and competent racer, from short orienteering events to challenging 100-mile races.
“He had a road marathon personal best of 2hr 32min 20sec, and the day before his death ran the local Penrith parkrun, close to where he was staying.”
Mr Catmur had also previously taken his love of orienteering to Chicago, said Mr Stott, who added: “He was someone who just loved running, and seemed to live his life to the fullest no matter where he was.”
