On Sunday 26 April 2026, the Captain David Seath Memorial Fund 5K Run/Walk returned to Pittencrieff Park, bringing together over 130 supporters from across Fife and beyond for a powerful day of remembrance, community, and fundraising.
Set against the backdrop of the park’s iconic cherry blossoms, participants of all ages and abilities gathered to honour the legacy of Captain David Seath: an Officer in 29 Commando Regiment Royal Artillery who tragically passed away in 2016 while running the London Marathon in support of Help for Heroes.
A Decade of Legacy, Marked in Motion
This year’s event held particular significance, marking ten years since David’s passing and a decade of unwavering commitment from his family, friends, and supporters to continue the work he so passionately believed in.
As an Officer in 29 Commando Regiment Royal Artillery, David embodied the commando spirit: one rooted in resilience, responsibility, and action. In the face of tragedy, that same ethos has guided those closest to him: to turn loss into something positive, to be the first to adapt, respond and overcome.
Since its creation, the Captain David Seath Memorial Fund has raised more than £350,000 to support veterans and their families across Scotland, providing vital assistance ranging from mental health support and rehabilitation to employment training and family grants.
The 2026 5K was not just a run, but a living reflection of that impact.
An Event for Everyone
At its heart, the event is about inclusion. The 5K route welcomed runners, walkers, families, veterans, and supporters alike; all passionate to take on the 5K Park Run at a pace that worked for them.
Starting at 10:30am, participants set off around the scenic park, united by a shared purpose: to honour David’s memory and contribute to a cause that continues to rebuild the lives of those who have served in British Armed Forces.
The atmosphere throughout the morning was one of community, reflection, camaraderie, and quiet determination, echoing the commando values David lived by.
“Super Sunday” – A Collective Effort
This year’s event formed part of what supporters fondly dubbed “Super Sunday” – a remarkable combined fundraising effort that brought together multiple initiatives in David’s name.
Alongside the 5K in Pittencrieff Park, the day also included a special sponsored run, generous individual donations, and two dedicated runners who completed the London Marathon in support of the Fund.
Together, these efforts raised over £3,000, a testament to the continued generosity and commitment of the community. Each contribution, whether a step taken, a mile run, or a donation given, played a vital role in driving David’s legacy forward.
A Special Guest
The event was also honoured by the presence of David Dent MBE (pictured together with Libby, Peter and Gary Seath above), a Help for Heroes ambassador, who travelled to Dunfermline to take part in the 5K.
Completing the course alongside participants, he later shared a few words, reflecting on the importance of community, resilience, and continued support for the armed forces family:
“A remarkable achievement and a deeply fitting tribute to Captain David Seath. Particular recognition is due to Gary, his brother, and to Libby and Peter, his parents, whose continued leadership, commitment, and quiet determination have sustained David’s legacy over many years. Their dedication reflects the values David lived by.
As a commando, David embodied service, discipline, and selflessness. The way his family has channelled those values into sustained support for veterans is both powerful and enduring. This community effort shows how one life of service can continue to have real impact long after, through collective action and shared purpose.”
His presence and words added a meaningful connection to the wider impact of the Fund and the cause it continues to support.
Voices from the Day
The impact of the event was perhaps best captured by those who took part:
“It was amazing to be part of a truly special community fundraising event. What’s been achieved over the past ten years in support of David’s legacy is phenomenal- the Seath family should be very proud of what’s been achieved when it comes to supporting veterans in David’s name through Help for Heroes.”
Continuing David’s Mission
Reflecting on the purpose behind the Fund, Gary Seath, Founder of the Captain David Seath Memorial Fund, shared:
“The Captain David Seath Memorial Fund was established to continue the race David started. It exists to ensure veterans are valued, supported, empowered, and never disadvantaged because of their Service.
We are deeply humbled when we see the city of Dunfermline turn out every year to support David’s legacy. We extend our sincere thanks to everyone who continues going the extra mile in continuing to run the race that David started.
From rehabilitation, home adaptations and career development, to wider work across Scotland addressing complex needs, employability, training, community-building, mental health and family support, David’s legacy continues to rebuild lives.
Although the war may be over, for many, the battle continues. Last year alone, funds raised in David’s name helped respond to a 36% increase in requests for support across Scotland, reaching over 300 veterans.
When you read their powerful stories about recovery, I believe David would be incredibly proud; not only of what’s been achieved in his name, but of the resilience shown by those rebuilding their lives.”
Community at the Core
The strength of the Captain David Seath Memorial Fund lies in its community. From local families and businesses to members of the armed forces and veteran networks, the event once again demonstrated the collective power of people coming together for good.
That same commando spirit; adapting, responding, and overcoming together continues to define the Fund and the people behind it.
Organisers encouraged supporters to “give just one hour” to be part of something meaningful; an invitation that continues to resonate year after year.
That simple act of showing up has helped build a remarkable force for good over the past decade.
Looking Ahead
The 2026 event was more than a milestone—it was a reminder of how far the community has come, and how much more can be achieved together.
Every step taken in Pittencrieff Park was a step forward in continuing David’s legacy: one built on courage, selflessness, and an enduring commitment to others.
We’ve come a long way together—but the journey continues.
The next event on the horizon is The Captain David Seath Memorial Fund Quiz, which takes place on Friday 20 November 2026 – Tickets for the highly popular event are on sale now.