Global Running Legend Passes Away in Punjab

Fauja Singh, the British-Indian athlete celebrated worldwide as the oldest marathon runner, has died at the age of 114 after being struck by a vehicle in Punjab, India.

The accident took place on Monday while Singh was crossing a road in his birthplace, Beas Pind, near Jalandhar. Local residents rushed him to the hospital, but sadly, he passed away from his injuries.

Authorities have confirmed the incident was a hit-and-run and a police investigation is underway. Harvinder Singh, a senior district officer, stated that they are working hard to locate the suspect.

An Icon of Strength and Endurance

Singh became a global icon of resilience and athleticism, running nine full marathons after taking up the sport at the age of 89. He officially retired in 2013 at the age of 102 but continued to live an active lifestyle.

Born in 1911, Singh lived through World War I, World War II, and the Partition of India. Despite his early struggles with weak legs, he defied all odds and made history in the world of athletics.

Tributes Pour In From Around the World

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi called Singh an “exceptional athlete” with “unshakable determination.”

His running club, Sikhs In The City, released an emotional tribute:

“Our icon of humanity and powerhouse of positivity, Fauja Singh, has left us. All our upcoming events, especially the Fauja Singh Birthday Challenge on 29 March 2026, will now honor his memory. We are committed to building the Fauja Singh Clubhouse in Ilford, where he trained.”

A Life Transformed by Grief – and Running

Singh turned to running after facing personal loss. Following the death of his wife Gian Kaur in the 1990s and later his son Kuldeep in an accident in India, he struggled emotionally. His family brought him back to the UK to help him recover.

In London, he discovered a community of elderly runners at a gurdwara, where he also met Harmander Singh, who would become his lifelong coach.

“Without Harmander Singh, I would never have become a marathon runner,” Singh said in June 2025 during an interview with BBC Punjabi.

Breaking Barriers on the Global Stage

Singh made his marathon debut in the London Marathon 2000 at age 89. He ran for BLISS, a charity for premature babies, under the slogan:
“Oldest running for the youngest!”

One of his proudest moments was refusing to run without his turban, despite initial pushback from event organizers. Eventually, they allowed him to wear it—marking a powerful moment for Sikh identity in sports.

He completed the marathon in 6 hours and 54 minutes. By 2003, in Toronto, he reduced that time dramatically to 5 hours and 40 minutes.

A Career of Recognition and Humility

Singh’s fame soared when he was featured in Adidas’s “Impossible is Nothing” campaign alongside icons like Muhammad Ali.

He also received:

• A personal invitation from Queen Elizabeth II in 2006.

• A spot in the 2012 Olympic Torch Relay in London.

• An invitation to run in Pakistan in 2005, symbolizing cross-border peace.

Despite his fame, Singh lived a simple, humble life, dividing time between India and the UK, and donating most of his earnings to charity.

Legacy of the “Turbaned Tornado”

Even after Guinness World Records did not certify him due to lack of a birth certificate, Singh became globally known as the “Turbaned Tornado.” His British passport listed 1 April 1911 as his birthdate, and he had received an official letter from the Queen on his 100th birthday.

He credited his health and long life to:

• Clean, vegetarian eating

• Daily exercise and long walks

• Spiritual peace and staying happy

“Eat less, walk more, and smile often – that’s the secret,” he said in his final interview.

Final Days and Everlasting Impact

In June 2025, Fauja Singh was still active, walking daily in his village and hoping to return to London to see his family and coach.

British MP Preet Kaur Gill called him a man of “deep humility and discipline.”

MP Jas Athwal added,

“Fauja Singh inspired millions. His spirit will run on forever.”

Rest in Peace, Legend

Fauja Singh may have left this world, but his story of resilience, strength, and purpose will continue to inspire generations of runners, athletes, and dreamers worldwide.