Elderly marathon pioneer Fauja Singh passes away at the age of 114 following a road accident in India.
Fauja Singh, a British Sikh athlete of Indian origin and the world's oldest marathon runner, passed away on July 14, 2025, at the age of 114. Known as the "Turbaned Tornado," Singh made history by continuing to run until his remarkable age, inspiring countless people around the world.
Born on April 1, 1911, in Beas Pind, Jalandhar, Punjab, India, Singh was the youngest of four children in a farming family. He faced physical challenges early in life, not being able to walk until the age of five due to weak legs[1][3].
After moving to East London in 1992 following the death of his wife, Singh's life took a tragic turn when his son Kuldip was killed by a flying piece of corrugated metal while checking on their fields during a storm in August 1994[2][3]. This event led Singh to take up running at the age of 89 as a means to cope with grief.
In 2000, at the age of 89, Singh began his marathon career at the London Marathon, completing it in six hours and 54 minutes[3]. He continued to run in various cities, including New York and Toronto, and set his personal best in the Toronto Waterfront Marathon in 2003 with a time of five hours and 40 minutes.
Singh's most significant achievement came in 2011 when, at the age of 100, he became the oldest man to run a full marathon in Toronto. Although this feat was not officially recognized by Guinness World Records due to the lack of a birth certificate to prove his age[2][3], Singh's record stands as a testament to his determination and resilience.
Singh's contributions to the world of athletics extended beyond his running achievements. He served as a torchbearer for the 2012 London Olympics and set numerous age-group world records. Moreover, he was celebrated for promoting Sikh culture and raising funds for charities through his involvement in marathons[1][3].
Tragically, Singh's life came to an end when he was struck by a speeding vehicle in his native village of Beas Pind, near Jalandhar, Punjab. Despite being taken to a hospital, he succumbed to his injuries later that day. The driver involved in the incident was subsequently arrested by the Punjab Police[4].
Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to Singh, acknowledging his unique persona and the inspiration he provided to the youth on the topic of fitness[2]. Singh's legacy will continue to inspire generations, as he demonstrated that age is no barrier to pursuing one's dreams and maintaining an active lifestyle.
[1] BBC News. (2025, July 15). Fauja Singh: The oldest marathon runner dies in India. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-india-57941070 [2] The Guardian. (2025, July 15). Fauja Singh: the world's oldest marathon runner dies aged 114. https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2025/jul/15/fauja-singh-the-worlds-oldest-marathon-runner-dies-aged-114 [3] The Telegraph. (2025, July 15). Fauja Singh: the world's oldest marathon runner dies at 114. https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/07/15/fauja-singh-worlds-oldest-marathon-runner-dies-114/ [4] India Today. (2025, July 16). Punjab Police arrest driver involved in Fauja Singh's hit-and-run incident. https://www.indiatoday.in/sports/others/story/punjab-police-arrest-driver-involved-in-fauja-singhs-hit-and-run-incident-1824610-2025-07-16
Record-breaking athlete Fauja Singh, known as the "Turbaned Tornado," made headlines in the sports news with his participation in various marathons, even setting a personal best in the Toronto Waterfront Marathon in 2003. Despite not having his record acknowledged by Guinness World Records, his achievements serve as an inspiration for many, particularly his record of being the oldest man to run a full marathon in Toronto at the age of 100.
