Major search continues for Team GB runner missing in hills

A major search for a missing Team GB runner is continuing with the help of mountain rescue teams and a coastguard helicopter.

Chris Smith, originally from Aberdeenshire, was last seen in the Glenlyon area of Perthshire at around 3pm on Tuesday.

The search for the 43-year-old experienced hill runner is now entering its third day and police said concern was growing.

Search teams have been focusing around the walking route it is understood Chris had planned to follow, encompassing four Munros – Meall nan Aighean, Carn Mairg, Meall Garbh and Carn Gorm.

Chris, who has been ranked as high as third in the UK for both the 3000 and 5000 metres, is a member of the Thames Valley Harriers running club who released the following statement.

“Chris is a much loved, ever cheerful member of Thames Valley Harriers who joined in 2002 and has competed for us in cross country, road and track events.

“Chris has particularly excelled at cross country racing and the harder the course, the better Chris runs. He loves running at the tough Parliament Hill course where he has won the London Cross Country Championships four times. He started competing in Mountain Running events in 2011 and is an experienced and successful GB athlete.

“Chris continues to run as well as ever in his 40s.”

Inspector Emma Bowman said: “Chris is an experienced hillwalker and fell runner, so it is naturally concerning that he remains missing at this time. Our thoughts are with his family as the searches continue today.

“I’d like to thank everyone who has taken part in the searches so far and ask anyone who has any information about Chris’s whereabouts to contact police on 101.”