Fauja Singh, the legendary Indian-born British athlete celebrated globally as the world’s oldest marathon runner, has passed away at the age of 114 after being struck by a vehicle in Punjab, India. His death marks the end of an era for long-distance running and global fitness inspiration.
Singh, affectionately known as the “Turbaned Tornado,” captured the world’s attention by taking up marathon running at the age of 89, an age when most people are long retired and slowing down. His remarkable journey from grief to greatness began after the loss of his wife and one of his sons. Motivated by the sight of marathoners on television, he laced up his shoes and began running, ultimately becoming an icon of endurance and human possibility.
The accident that claimed his life occurred in the Jalandhar district of Punjab, where Singh was hit by an unidentified vehicle while crossing the road in his home village of Bias. His biographer, Khushwant Singh, confirmed the tragic news with an emotional post on X, formerly Twitter, writing, “My Turbaned Tornado is no more… Rest in peace, my dear Fauja.”
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Despite not being officially recognized by Guinness World Records due to the absence of a birth certificate, a common issue for those born during British colonial rule, Singh’s family confirmed he was born on April 1, 1911. That didn’t stop him from rewriting the boundaries of what was considered possible in sports and aging. Singh ran his first full marathon in London in 2000 and continued to run marathons until the age of 100. At 101, he completed a 10km race during the 2013 Hong Kong Marathon, clocking an impressive 1 hour, 32 minutes, and 28 seconds.
Even in his advanced years, Singh remained active in the global fitness community. At 104, he participated in the 2016 Mumbai Marathon alongside Bollywood actor John Abraham, helping flag off a race that drew thousands. Though he officially retired from competitive racing, he often expressed his desire to stay connected with the world that had embraced him, hoping not to be forgotten just because he had stopped running.
Singh’s influence extended beyond athletics. He served as a torchbearer at the 2004 Athens Olympics and again in London 2012, sharing the spotlight with sports legends like David Beckham and Muhammad Ali in global advertising campaigns. His presence, spirit, and distinctive turban became symbols of resilience, hope, and lifelong fitness.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to the centenarian runner on social media, describing him as “an exceptional athlete with remarkable determination.” Modi added, “Fauja Singh was extraordinary due to his unique persona and the way he inspired the youth of India on the important topic of fitness.”
Fauja Singh’s legacy lives on not just through his races or records, but through the millions he inspired to get off the couch and believe that it’s never too late to start running toward a new dream. His life is a testament to human strength, perseverance, and the timeless power of the human spirit.
