Police in India have arrested Amritpal Singh Dhillon after he allegedly hit Fauja Singh, a 114-year-old British-Indian marathon icon, with his speeding SUV in Punjab. The accident occurred while Singh was taking his routine afternoon stroll near his birth village, Beas Pind, resulting in critical injuries and his subsequent death after being rushed to the hospital.
Singh had an extraordinary record, completing nine marathons well into his 100s, and was celebrated globally for his achievements, including being the first centenarian to finish a full marathon in 2011 in Toronto. Unfortunately, due to issues with his birth certificate, he could not be officially recognized by Guinness World Records as the oldest marathon runner despite strong evidence presented by his UK passport and royal letter of congratulations.
Witnesses state that Singh might have lived if the driver had sought immediate medical help after the incident. Singh's journey into running began later in life after enduring personal tragedies, including the loss of his wife and son. He found solace and a new purpose in the sport, becoming a symbol of resilience and inspiration. His legacy will continue through upcoming events held by his running charity, Sikhs In The City, celebrating his remarkable life and accomplishments.
