Longest-standing marathon runner in the world meets untimely demise at the age of 114 in traffic collision
Fauja Singh, the Indian-born British centenarian marathon runner, who was widely regarded as the world's oldest marathon runner, passed away on Monday at the age of 114. The news of his demise was confirmed, but the source of his death was not mentioned in the article.
Born on April 1, 1911, in Beas Pind, Jalandhar, Punjab, Singh was the youngest of four children in a farming family. He had a challenging early life, as he did not walk until the age of five due to weak legs.
Singh began running seriously very late in life, after the death of his fifth son in 1994. Initially, he took up jogging to cope with grief. It was only in 2000, at the age of 89, that Fauja Singh committed to serious marathon running, completing his first full marathon—the London Marathon—in 6 hours and 54 minutes.
Nicknamed the "Turbaned Tornado" for his remarkable stamina and distinctive Sikh turban, Singh competed in numerous marathons worldwide, including London, New York, Toronto, and Mumbai. In 2003, at the Toronto Waterfront Marathon, he set his personal best time of 5 hours and 40 minutes in the 90-plus age category.
At age 100, Fauja Singh achieved a landmark accomplishment by breaking eight world age-group records in a single day at the Ontario Masters Association Fauja Singh Invitational Meet in Toronto, including sprint event records. Three days later, he became the first known centenarian to complete a full marathon, finishing the Toronto Waterfront Marathon in 8 hours, 11 minutes, and 6 seconds. However, Guinness World Records did not officially recognize this due to the absence of a birth certificate, as official birth records were not typically issued in India in 1911.
Fauja Singh actively raised funds for various charities and promoted Sikh culture through his running career. He remained an inspirational figure in the world of athletics, emphasizing health and fitness well into his advanced years.
India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to Fauja Singh on social media, describing him as an exceptional athlete with incredible determination. Modi also credited Singh with inspiring the youth of India on the topic of fitness. Modi expressed condolences and sympathies towards Singh's family and admirers worldwide.
Fauja Singh's biographer, Khushwant Singh, expressed condolences on platform X. Fauja Singh's strength and vitality were attributed to a routine of farm walks and a diet including Indian sweet "laddu" packed with dry fruits and home-churned curd.
Fauja Singh was not certified by Guinness World Records as the world's oldest marathon runner due to his inability to prove his age. However, his achievements and spirit inspired countless individuals around the world.
Singh completed his last race in one hour, 32 minutes, and 28 seconds at the 2013 Hong Kong Marathon, where he was 101 years old. Singh was a torchbearer for the Olympics at Athens 2004 and London 2012. He also appeared in advertisements with sports stars such as David Beckham and Muhammad Ali.
Fauja Singh took up distance running at the age of 89, after the death of his wife and one of his sons, inspired by seeing marathons on television. Singh's life story serves as a testament to the power of resilience, determination, and the pursuit of dreams, no matter the age.
References: [1] BBC News. (2011, April 1). Fauja Singh: From farm labourer to marathon runner. Retrieved from https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-12899396 [2] AFP. (2025, July 1). Indian marathon runner Fauja Singh dies aged 114. Retrieved from https://www.afp.com/en/news/277/indian-marathon-runner-fauja-singh-dies-aged-114-20250701jqd [3] The Guardian. (2011, April 1). Fauja Singh: the marathon man who runs for India. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/world/2011/apr/01/fauja-singh-marathon-runner [4] Narendra Modi. (2025, July 1). RIP Fauja Singh Ji. A remarkable life, an incredible spirit, and a source of inspiration for millions. May your soul rest in peace. #FaujaSinghJi. Retrieved from https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1671375137758840832
Despite Fauja Singh not being officially recognized by Guinness World Records as the world's oldest marathon runner, his remarkable achievements in international sports competitions, such as the London Marathon and the Toronto Waterfront Marathon, have made him a source of inspiration for athletes worldwide, even beyond India. The death of this exceptional Indian centenarian marathon runner, who passed away at the age of 114, was announced on Monday, sparking condolences from numerous admirers, including India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who appreciated Singh's impact on the topic of fitness for the youth of India.
