Fauja Singh, world's oldest marathoner, dies aged 114
Fauja Singh, the iconic marathon runner whose career defied age and inspired generations, has died at the age of 114 after being hit by an unidentified vehicle in a hit-and-run incident in Punjab, local media reported on July 15.
The accident reportedly took place around 3:30 p.m. on Monday, as Singh was crossing the Adampur–Bhogpur road near his native village of Beas in the Jalandhar district. He was taken to a private hospital in Jalandhar but succumbed to his injuries later that evening.
Authorities said an FIR has been registered against the unknown driver. No arrests had been reported by the time of publication.
Born on 1 April 1911 in Beas, Singh was the youngest of four siblings. He emigrated to East London in 1992 following the death of his wife, Gian Kaur. After the loss of his son Kuldeep Singh in 1994, he took up running to cope with his grief, a decision that would lead to an extraordinary late-life athletic journey.
Singh began formal training in the UK with coach Harmander Singh and entered professional races from the age of 89.
Fauja Singh was a global icon.
The embodiment of Chardi Kala - "Rising Spirits".
At age 93 he completed a full marathon.
He went on to set world records, sign deals with global brands like Adidas and have children’s books published about him.
The Turbaned Tornado inspired… pic.twitter.com/JHzGs8NGwhHis international breakthrough came in 2000 when he completed the London Marathon in 6 hours and 54 minutes, setting a world record in the 90+ age category. He went on to complete eight full marathons, becoming a global ambassador for fitness and endurance.
In 2003, he set his personal best at the Toronto Waterfront Marathon, finishing in 5 hours and 40 minutes. At 100, he completed his final full marathon in London in 2011, clocking in at 7 hours and 49 minutes.
Singh formally retired from competitive running in 2013 after finishing the 10-kilometre event at the Hong Kong Marathon in 1 hour, 32 minutes, a full 30 seconds faster than his time the year before.
Widely celebrated as the “Turbaned Tornado,” Singh carried the Olympic torch during the 2012 London Games and remained a symbol of resilience, mental fortitude, and cultural pride.
He is remembered not only for his extraordinary athletic achievements but also for inspiring countless people to stay active regardless of age.