Fauja Singh, widely regarded as the world’s oldest marathon runner, has died at the age of 114 following a tragic road accident in India’s Punjab state. The Indian-born British national, affectionately nicknamed the “Turbaned Tornado,” was reportedly hit by an unidentified vehicle in his native village of Bias, in Jalandhar district, on Monday.
The news of his passing was confirmed by his biographer, Khushwant Singh, who wrote on X (formerly Twitter), “My Turbaned Tornado is no more. He was struck by an unidentified vehicle… in his village, Bias, while crossing the road. Rest in peace, my dear Fauja.”
Singh, who had no official birth certificate, was believed by his family to have been born on April 1, 1911, during British colonial rule in India, a time when birth records were rarely issued. Despite not being recognized by the Guinness World Records due to a lack of documentation, Singh became an international icon for his remarkable late-life athletic achievements.
He began long-distance running at the age of 89, inspired by televised marathons following the loss of his wife and one of his sons. In a journey that defied age and expectation, Singh completed multiple full marathons, with his final race being a 10-kilometre event at the 2013 Hong Kong Marathon at the age of 101. He finished that race in an impressive time of one hour, 32 minutes, and 28 seconds.
Throughout his life, Fauja Singh was celebrated not just for his athleticism but for his positive spirit, healthy lifestyle, and ability to inspire millions around the world. His personal routine included long walks, traditional farm work, and a diet rich in Indian sweets like “laddu” made from dry fruits, along with home-churned curd. His vibrant persona led him to international fame, where he carried the Olympic torch at both the 2004 Athens and 2012 London Games and appeared in advertising campaigns alongside global sports legends like David Beckham and Muhammad Ali.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute on social media, calling Singh “extraordinary” for the way he inspired generations on the importance of fitness and resilience. “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,” Modi wrote on X.
Fauja Singh’s legacy transcends sport. His life remains a beacon of hope, endurance, and the boundless potential of the human spirit, no matter one’s age.
