Fauja Singh, the legendary Indian-born British marathon runner widely believed to be the world’s oldest long-distance runner, has died at the age of 114 after being struck by a vehicle in Punjab, India.
The accident occurred on Monday in Singh’s home village of Bias in Jalandhar district, where he was reportedly crossing the road when an unidentified vehicle hit him. His biographer, Khushwant Singh, confirmed the news in a social media post, writing: “My Turbaned Tornado is no more. Rest in peace, my dear Fauja.”
Born on April 1, 1911, Singh’s age was never officially recognised by Guinness World Records due to the lack of a birth certificate, a common circumstance under British colonial rule. However, he was widely celebrated for his incredible achievements as a nonagenarian and centenarian athlete.
Singh became an international sensation when he took up marathon running at the age of 89 following the death of his wife and one of his sons. Inspired by watching televised races, he entered the global spotlight for his endurance, charm, and humility.
He ran full 42-kilometre marathons until the age of 100, and his last competitive race was a 10-kilometre event at the 2013 Hong Kong Marathon at age 101, completing it in 1 hour, 32 minutes and 28 seconds.
Though he never received official record certification, Singh earned a massive following and became a fitness icon, appearing in global advertising campaigns alongside sports legends like David Beckham and Muhammad Ali. He was also honoured as an Olympic torchbearer in Athens 2004 and London 2012.
Singh attributed his vitality to a simple life of farm walks, homemade curd, and a diet rich in dry fruits and traditional Indian sweets like “laddu.”
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute on X (formerly Twitter), writing:
“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. Pained by his passing away. My thoughts are with his family and countless admirers around the world.”
Singh leaves behind a lasting legacy of resilience, optimism, and unwavering spirit that transcended borders and generations.
