Fauja Singh, Legendary Marathon Runner, Passes Away at 114 in Road Accident
Fauja Singh, widely believed to be the world’s oldest distance runner, has tragically passed away at the age of 114 following a road accident in Punjab’s Jalandhar district, his biographer confirmed on Tuesday.
Nicknamed the “Turbaned Tornado,” Singh was an Indian-born British national known globally for his remarkable achievements in long-distance running—many of which came after the age of 89.
According to his biographer Khushwant Singh, the incident occurred in Bias village on Monday. “He was struck by an unidentified vehicle while crossing the road,” Singh posted on social media platform X. “Rest in peace, my dear Fauja.”
A Life of Endurance and Inspiration
Though Singh lacked an official birth certificate, his family stated he was born on April 1, 1911, during British colonial rule, when birth records were often not maintained. Despite this, he gained worldwide fame for his extraordinary feats in athletics, running full marathons up to the age of 100.
His final race was a 10-kilometer event at the 2013 Hong Kong Marathon at age 101, where he completed the course in 1 hour, 32 minutes, and 28 seconds.
Singh began distance running late in life, taking it up at age 89 following the loss of his wife and son. Inspired by televised marathons, he turned his grief into strength and quickly became a symbol of resilience and fitness.
Global Recognition and Impact
Although Guinness World Records never officially recognized him as the world’s oldest marathoner due to lack of documentation, Fauja Singh became a global icon, admired for his endurance, humility, and discipline.
He carried the Olympic torch in both Athens 2004 and London 2012, and appeared in campaigns alongside international legends like David Beckham and Muhammad Ali.
His active lifestyle was credited to daily farm walks and a traditional diet including homemade curd and “laddus” made with dried fruits.
Tributes Pour In
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed sorrow over Singh’s passing, writing on X:
“Fauja Singh was extraordinary because of his unique persona and the manner in which he inspired the youth of India on a very important topic of fitness. He was an exceptional athlete with incredible determination.”
Modi added that Singh’s life would continue to inspire generations to come.
