Fauja Singh, Pioneering Centenarian Marathon Runner, Passes Away

Fauja Singh, widely recognized as the oldest marathon runner in the world, has passed away at the age of 114 following a tragic hit-and-run incident in his hometown of Beas Pind, Punjab. Singh, who began his running career at the age of 89 to cope with the profound grief following the deaths of his wife and son, made headlines in 2011 when he completed the Toronto Waterfront Marathon, becoming the first centenarian to finish a marathon.

Reports indicate that Singh was struck by an unidentified vehicle around 3:30 PM while crossing the road in his village. He sustained serious head injuries and later succumbed to his injuries in a local hospital. Local authorities are currently investigating the incident in an effort to identify the vehicle involved.

Singh's biographer shared the news on social media, expressing deep sorrow over the loss of the athlete known affectionately as the 'Turbaned Tornado.' Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi also extended condolences, recognizing Singh's exceptional achievements and determination as an athlete and extending thoughts to his family and admirers worldwide.

Singh, who claimed a birth year of 1911, gained fame later in life, turning to marathon running as a means of overcoming his personal losses. After relocating to London, he participated in community athletic events before discovering his passion for marathons. His inaugural marathon was the London Marathon in 2000, and he continued to compete in various events, completing a total of nine marathons, with a personal best time of 5 hours and 40 minutes in Toronto in 2003.

Despite his remarkable achievement of running a marathon at the age of 100, Guinness World Records did not officially recognize his record due to the lack of a birth certificate to verify his age. Singh's British passport indicated his birth date as April 1, 1911, but officials noted that birth records were not maintained in India at that time.

Singh's last competitive race took place in 2013 when he finished the 10-kilometer event at the Hong Kong Marathon. The year prior, he had the honor of being a torchbearer for the London Olympics. After retiring from competitive running, Singh expressed a desire to be remembered and hoped to continue receiving invitations to events, highlighting his enduring passion for athletics.

Singh's legacy as an inspirational figure transcends his athletic accomplishments, serving as a testament to resilience and the power of sport in overcoming life's challenges. His story continues to inspire countless individuals around the world.