Fauja Singh, the world’s oldest marathon runner, tragically passed away in a road accident in his hometown of Beas Pind, Punjab, at the age of 114. Singh’s running journey began later in life; he took up the sport at 89, eventually inspiring many with his remarkable feats.
Born on April 1, 1911, during British rule in India, he was the youngest of four in a farming family. After losing his wife, he moved to the UK with his son and settled in Ilford, East London. It was there that he discovered running, completing his first marathon in London in just under seven hours, setting an impressive record for his age group.
Singh’s running achievements were groundbreaking. He is recognized as the first centenarian to finish a marathon, completing the 2011 Toronto Marathon in just over eight hours. His journey showed that it’s never too late to chase dreams, shattering stereotypes about aging and fitness.
His coach, Harmander Singh, expressed deep sorrow, describing him as a beacon of positivity. The running community, including his London-based charity, Sikhs in the City, plans to celebrate his life through upcoming events.
MPs and fans took to social media to honor his legacy. Preet Kaur Gill reflected on his inspiring spirit, while Jas Athwal commended him as a global icon for the Sikh community.
Recent studies suggest that engaging in regular exercise can significantly enhance longevity and quality of life, supporting the idea that Singh’s active lifestyle contributed to his remarkable age. His story encourages everyone—no matter their age—to pursue their passions with enthusiasm and resilience.
For more about Singh’s incredible journey, check out this article: The secret of the world’s oldest marathon runner.