Fauja Singh, the legendary runner who became the first 100-year-old to complete a marathon, has died in a shocking road accident at the age of 114. The British-Indian icon, often called “The Turbaned Tornado,” was struck by a vehicle while taking a morning walk through the streets of his birthplace in Punjab.
Singh, who defied time and the odds for decades, was rushed to a nearby hospital but succumbed to his injuries shortly after arrival. His death has sent shockwaves through the global running community and across both India and the UK.
“It is with great sadness that we can confirm our icon of humanity and powerhouse of positivity, Fauja Singh, has passed away in India,” his longtime trainer announced in a statement Tuesday. “He was 114 years old.”
From Farm Fields to Finish Lines
Born in 1911, Fauja Singh spent much of his early life working the fields of Beas Pind. It wasn’t until the age of 89—yes, you read that right—that he laced up his running shoes for the first time. Just a year later, he ran his first marathon in London in 2000.
And he didn’t stop there. Between the ages of 90 and 101, Singh completed a total of nine full marathons—an astonishing feat that turned him into a global sensation and an enduring symbol of resilience.
In 2011, Singh cemented his place in history by completing the Toronto Waterfront Marathon at the age of 100, earning him the unofficial title of “World’s Oldest Marathon Runner.”
Though Guinness World Records refused to formally acknowledge the title—citing his inability to produce a birth certificate—his British passport listed his birth year as 1911. He even received a personal letter from Queen Elizabeth II on his 100th birthday.
Olympic Honors and Global Praise
In 2012, Singh carried the Olympic torch ahead of the London Summer Games. The following year, he retired from competitive running at age 101. In 2015, the UK honored him with a British Empire Medal for his extraordinary contributions to sport and charity.
“He wasn’t just a runner,” said London Marathon director Hugh Brasher. “He was a phenomenon. Fauja reminded the world what was possible when you combined heart, faith, and sheer willpower.”
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi also paid tribute, tweeting, “An exceptional athlete with incredible determination. Fauja Singh’s life was a testament to the power of perseverance. India mourns his loss.”
Legacy Beyond the Track
Singh used his fame to promote peace, health, and unity—running for causes ranging from disaster relief to children’s education. Despite suffering personal losses, including the deaths of his wife and son in the 1990s, he remained relentlessly upbeat.
“He ran not just to stay alive,” said close friend Harminder Kaur. “He ran to inspire others to live.”
Singh is survived by extended family in both India and the United Kingdom. No official details on funeral arrangements have been released, but tributes are pouring in from around the world.
As one fan posted online: “You ran through history, Fauja. Now run free.”
Let me know if you’d like a more dramatic headline, quote graphic, or a sidebar timeline of his achievements.
Discover more from
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
No shock here. Everyone knows that Indians don’t know how to drive!
There is an Indian european road race series champion that drives for Porsche who is as good as they get.
I personally am uniquely quailified to make that statement.
It was inevitable.
That exercise shit is deadly !
All kidding aside, terrible shame and condolences !