Fauja Singh, a British-Indian running superstar and believed to be the oldest marathon runner in history, tragically passed away at the age of 114 after being hit by a car in his native village of Beas Pind in Punjab, India. According to local authorities, Singh was crossing the street when the accident occurred. Despite being rushed to the hospital, he was declared dead shortly after.
Known as the "Turbaned Tornado", Singh began his marathon journey at the age of 89, completing an impressive nine full marathons from 2000 to 2013, even running over the age of 100. Tributes poured in following the news of his death, with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi recognizing him as an "exceptional athlete with incredible determination."
His running club, Sikhs In The City, announced plans to celebrate his legacy through upcoming events in Ilford, London, where he had lived since 1992. In June, Singh, who had earned fame for his positive spirit and inspiring story, expressed his lifelong commitment to fitness and health.
Although awarded several accolades, Singh's claim as the world's oldest marathon runner was not officially recognized by Guinness World Records due to documentation issues regarding his birth. Nevertheless, he remained a beacon of hope, overcoming personal tragedies while inspiring countless individuals to pursue their passions. His message was simple: "Eating less, running more, and staying happy - that is the secret behind my longevity."
With memories of his incredible running accomplishments and the joy he brought to many lives, Singh's legacy will long be remembered.
