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Saudi Gazette
15-07-2025
- Sport
- Saudi Gazette
World's 'oldest' marathon runner dies at 114 in hit-and-run
DELHI — Fauja Singh, a British-Indian man believed to be the world's oldest marathon runner, has died after being hit by a car in India at the age of 114. Police say Singh was crossing a road in the village where he was born in Punjab when an unidentified vehicle hit him. Locals took him to hospital, where he died. Singh, a global icon, set records by running marathons across multiple age categories, including when he was over 100. He began running at 89 and ran nine full marathons between 2000 and 2013, when he retired. His running club and charity, Sikhs In The City, said its upcoming events in Ilford, east London, where he had lived since 1992, would be a celebration of his life and achievements. The hit and run happened on Monday as the centenarian was walking in his birth village, Beas Pind, near Jalandhar. "A search is under way, and the accused will be caught soon," said Harvinder Singh, a top district police news of the death broke, tributes poured Prime Minister Narendra Modi called him an "exceptional athlete with incredible determination".Harmander Singh, Fauja Singh's coach at Sikhs In The City, confirmed his death in a statement posted to the running statement said: "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 running club and charity Sikhs In The City will be devoting all of its events until the Fauja Singh Birthday Challenge on Sunday 29 March 2026 to celebrate his life of success and achievements."We will be doubling the efforts to raise funds to building the Fauja Singh Clubhouse on the route in Ilford where he used to train."When the BBC met Singh in June in Beas Pind, he was agile and active, walking several miles every day."I still go for walks around the village to keep my legs strong. A person has to take care of his own body," he said.A torchbearer for the 2012 London Olympics, Singh clocked several milestones during his running career, including reportedly becoming the first centenarian to complete a full marathon in 2011 in his claim of being the world's oldest marathon runner was not recognised by Guinness World Records as he could not show a birth certificate from 1911. The BBC reported at the time that Singh's British passport showed his date of birth as being 1 April 1911, and that he had a letter from the Queen congratulating him on his 100th trainer, Harmander Singh, said that birth certificates were not made in India at the time Singh was World Records officials said they would have loved "to give him the record", but that they could only "accept official birth documents created in the year of the birth".As a young boy growing up in Punjab, Singh was teased by people in his village as his legs were weak and he could not walk properly until the age of five."But the same boy, once mocked for his weakness, went on to make history," he told BBC Punjabi in he turned 40, Singh, a farmer, had lived through the turbulence of both the World Wars and experienced the trauma of Partition."In my youth, I didn't even know the word 'marathon' existed," Singh told BBC Punjabi. "I never went to school, nor was I involved in any kind of sports. I was a farmer and spent most of my life in the fields."He first took to running to cope with the death of his wife Gian Kaur in the early 1990s, he moved to London to live with his eldest son Sukhjinder. But during a visit to India, he witnessed his younger son Kuldeep's death in an accident which left him by grief, Singh would spend hours sitting near the spot where his son had been cremated. Concerned villagers advised his family to take him back to the in Ilford in London, during one of his visits to the gurdwara, Singh met a group of elderly men who would go on runs together. He also met Harmander Singh, who would go on to become his coach."Had I not met Harmander Singh, I wouldn't have got into marathon running," he said in made his debut at the London Marathon in 2000, a month shy of turning 89. He participated through a Golden Bond entry - a system where charities pre-purchase a fixed number of spots for a fee. He chose to run for BLISS, a charity that supports premature infants. His tagline: "Oldest running for the youngest! May they live as long as him."Singh says that before the run, he was told by event officials that he could only wear a patka (headgear worn by many Sikh boys and men) and not a turban."I refused to run without my turban. Eventually, the organisers allowed me to run with it, and for me, that's my biggest achievement," he finished the race in six hours and 54 minutes, marking the beginning of a remarkable his third successive appearance at the London marathon, he had shaved off nine minutes from his previous 2003, at the Toronto Waterfront Marathon, he bettered his timing by an astonishing one hour and five minutes, completing the race in five hours and 40 minutes."I don't remember my timings; it is my coach, Harmander Singh, who keeps the record of all my timings. But whatever I have achieved is all because of his training, and I sincerely followed his schedule," Singh said in June."In London, he used to make me run uphill, and because of that, I kept on improving," he added. "Almost after every training session in London, I used to go to the gurdwara, where my diet was taken care of. Everyone there motivated me to run long distances."Singh shot to international fame in 2003 when Adidas signed him for their Nothing Is Impossible advertising campaign which also featured legends such as Muhammad 2005, he was invited by the then Prime Minister of Pakistan to participate in the inaugural Lahore Marathon. A year later, in 2006, he received a special invitation from Queen Elizabeth II to visit Buckingham the many mementos and certificates displayed at Singh's home in Punjab is a framed photograph of him with the continued to compete in marathons well into his 100s and earned the nickname "Turbaned Tornado". Most of his earnings from endorsements went directly to charitable foundations."I was the same Fauja Singh before I entered the world of running - but running gave my life a mission and brought me global recognition," he 2013, he participated in his last long-distance competitive race in Hong Kong, completing a 10km run in one hour, 32 minutes and 28 credited his health and longevity to a simple lifestyle and disciplined diet."Eating less, running more, and staying happy - that is the secret behind my longevity. This is my message to everyone," he said in his final years, Singh divided his time between India, where his younger son lives, and the the BBC met him in June, he was hoping to visit London again soon to meet his family and MP Preet Kaur Gill shared a photo of herself with him on X, writing: "A truly inspiring man. His discipline, simple living, and deep humility left a lasting mark on me."Jas Athwal MP said Singh "inspired millions across the world". He wrote on X: "His spirit and legacy of resilience will run on forever." — BBC
Daily Mirror
15-07-2025
- Sport
- Daily Mirror
'World's oldest marathon runner' who lived in UK killed in road accident aged 114
British runner Fauja Singh, who is believed to be the oldest marathon finisher, has been tragically killed in a road traffic accident in his home village of Beas Pind in India at the age of 114 British-Indian man Fauja Singh, who was believed to be the world's oldest marathon runner, has died in a road accident aged 114. The centenarian Sikh continued running marathons past the age of 100. Singh, born in Punjab in April 1911, was walking in the village of his birth, Beas Pind, when he was struck by an unidentified vehicle, local reports state. He was then taken to hospital, where he later died from his injuries. His London-based running club and charity, Sikhs In The City, confirmed his passing, with his coach Harmander Singh announcing that all of its events will be dedicated to the late runner into 2026. Singh had been an Ilford resident since 1992 and ran his first marathon in London in 2000, with his personal best time of five hours and 40 minutes coming three years later. On 16 October 2011, in Toronto, it is believed that he became the first centenarian to finish a marathon. However, Guinness World Records does not recognise this, as Singh could not produce a birth certificate despite his passport indicating his birthdate and him having received a letter from the Queen to commemorate his 100th birthday. Singh would later serve as a torchbearer at London 2012 and retire from marathon running at the age of 101. He inspired many, having only started running at the age of 89. He was awarded a BEM in 2015. On social media, Singh's coach released a devastating statement: "Dearest runners. It is with great sadness that we can confirm our icon of humanity and powerhouse of positivity Fauja Singh has passed away in India. Aged 114 years old. "He succumbed to injuries caused by a vehicle accident while crossing the road close to his home. His running club and charity, Sikhs In The City, will be devoting all of its events until the Fauja Singh Birthday Challenge on Sunday March 29 2026 to celebrate his life of success and achievements. "We will be doubling the efforts to raise funds to building the Fauja Singh Clubhouse on the route in Ilford where he used to train. In lieu of flowers, please donate to his Clubhouse Appeal so we can carry on his legacy to encourage the world to keep fit and stay positive." Others have paid tribute to Singh, including Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who dubbed him an "exceptional athlete with incredible determination." MP Preet Kaur Gill also paid her respects, posting: "Saddened to hear about the passing of Fauja Singh. I had the honour of meeting him. A truly inspiring man. "His discipline, simple living, and deep humility left a lasting mark on me. A reminder that age is just a number, but attitude is everything. Rest in power, legend." MP Jas Athwal added: "Deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Sardar Fauja Singh Ji. He was legendary – a man who continued running until he was 101. He was a global Sikh icon, that inspired millions across the world. His spirit and legacy of resilience will run on forever. My heartfelt condolences to all his family and friends. We will miss him. RIP." Local police say that Singh was crossing the road when he was struck, and that a search is underway to apprehend the accused.
ITV News
15-07-2025
- Sport
- ITV News
Fauja Singh, believed to be world's oldest marathon runner, dies in India crash aged 114
British marathon runner Fauja Singh, who is believed to be the world's oldest marathon runner, has died in a road accident in India aged 114. Local Indian media reported he was hit by a car and suffered fatal injuries while trying to cross a road in his birth village, Beas Pind, near Jalandhar in Punjab, on Monday. His London-based running club and charity, Sikhs In The City, confirmed his death and said their upcoming events in Ilford, east London, will be a celebration of his life and achievements. Singh – who lived in Ilford from 1992 – made his name by beating a number of records for marathon times in multiple age brackets. The centenarian became an inspiration for countless athletes by running marathons past the age of 100. A profile on the Olympics website said Singh was born in Punjab, then under British rule, on April 1 1911 and was the youngest of four children in a farming family. He was said to have suffered from thin and weak legs, and was unable to walk until he was five years old. He moved to England and settled in east London with his son after the death of his wife. It was not until 2000, aged 89, that he took up running, quickly rising to fame by completing his maiden marathon in London in six hours and 54 minutes. He went on to knock 58 minutes off the previous world's best in the 90-plus age bracket. Singh ran numerous marathons, completing the 2003 Toronto Waterfront Marathon in five hours and 40 minutes, his personal best. On October 16 2011, in Toronto, the runner is thought to have become the first centenarian to run a marathon. Guinness World Records described it as an 'inspirational achievement' but said it was unable to recognise the feat without the necessary proof of his date of birth. Singh did not have a birth certificate, as official birth records were not kept in India in 1911, although the date of birth on his passport was April 1 1911, and he received a personal letter from Queen Elizabeth II on his 100th birthday. He was a torchbearer for the London 2012 Olympics and retired at the age of 101. Harmander Singh, Fauja Singh's coach at Sikhs In The City, confirmed his death in a statement posted to the running club. 'Dearest runners. It is with great sadness that we can confirm our icon of humanity and powerhouse of positivity, Fauja Singh has passed away in India. Aged 114 years old. 'He succumbed to injuries caused by a vehicle accident while crossing the road close to his home. 'His running club and charity Sikhs In The City will be devoting all of its events until the Fauja Singh Birthday Challenge on Sunday March 29 2026 to celebrate his life of success and achievements. 'We will be doubling the efforts to raise funds to building the Fauja Singh Clubhouse on the route in Ilford where he used to train. 'In lieu of flowers please donate to his Clubhouse Appeal so we can carry on his legacy to encourage the world to keep fit and stay positive.' Preet Kaur Gill MP said on X: 'Saddened to hear about the passing of Fauja Singh. 'I had the honour of meeting him. A truly inspiring man. His discipline, simple living, and deep humility left a lasting mark on me. 'A reminder that age is just a number, but attitude is everything. Rest in power, legend.' Jas Athwal MP said on X: 'Deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Sardar Fauja Singh Ji. 'He was legendary – a man who continued running until he was 101. He was a global Sikh icon, that inspired millions across the world. 'His spirit and legacy of resilience will run on forever. My heartfelt condolences to all his family and friends. We will miss him. RIP.'
The Herald Scotland
14-07-2025
- Sport
- The Herald Scotland
British marathon runner Fauja Singh dies in road accident aged 114
His London-based running club and charity, Sikhs In The City, confirmed his death and said their upcoming events in Ilford, east London, will be a celebration of his life and achievements. Singh – who lived in Ilford from 1992 – made his name by beating a number of records for marathon times in multiple age brackets. Fauja Singh has died aged 114 (John Stillwell/PA) The centenarian became an inspiration for countless athletes by running marathons past the age of 100. A profile on the Olympics website said Singh was born in Punjab, then under British rule, on April 1 1911 and was the youngest of four children in a farming family. He was said to have suffered from thin and weak legs, and was unable to walk until he was five years old. He moved to England and settled in east London with his son after the death of his wife Gian Kaur in Jalandhar. It was not until 2000, aged 89, that he took up running, quickly rising to fame by completing his maiden marathon in London in six hours and 54 minutes. This time knocked 58 minutes off the previous world's best in the 90-plus age bracket. Saddened to hear about the passing of #FaujaSingh I had the honour of meeting him. A truly inspiring man. His discipline, simple living, and deep humility left a lasting mark on me. A reminder that age is just a number, but attitude is everything. Rest in power, legend. 🏃♂️ — Preet Kaur Gill MP (@PreetKGillMP) July 14, 2025 Singh ran numerous marathons, completing the 2003 Toronto Waterfront Marathon in five hours and 40 minutes, his personal best. On October 16 2011, in Toronto, the runner is thought to have become the first centenarian to run a marathon. Guinness World Records described it as an 'inspirational achievement' but said it was unable to recognise the feat without the necessary proof of his date of birth. Singh did not have a birth certificate, as official birth records were not kept in India in 1911, although the date of birth on his passport was April 1 1911, and he received a personal letter from Queen Elizabeth II on his 100th birthday. He was a torchbearer for the London 2012 Olympics and retired at the age of 101. Harmander Singh, Fauja Singh's coach at Sikhs In The City, confirmed his death in a statement posted to the running club. 'Dearest runners. It is with great sadness that we can confirm our icon of humanity and powerhouse of positivity Fauja Singh has passed away in India. Aged 114 years old. 'He succumbed to injuries caused by a vehicle accident while crossing the road close to his home. 'His running club and charity Sikhs In The City will be devoting all of its events until the Fauja Singh Birthday Challenge on Sunday March 29 2026 to celebrate his life of success and achievements. 'We will be doubling the efforts to raise funds to building the Fauja Singh Clubhouse on the route in Ilford where he used to train. 'In lieu of flowers please donate to his Clubhouse Appeal so we can carry on his legacy to encourage the world to keep fit and stay positive.' Deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Sardar Fauja Singh Ji. He was legendary – a man who continued running until he was 101. He was a global Sikh icon, that inspired millions across the world. His spirit & legacy of resilience will run on forever. 🏃♂️ My heartfelt… — Jas Athwal MP (@Jas_Athwal) July 14, 2025 Preet Kaur Gill MP said on X: 'Saddened to hear about the passing of Fauja Singh. 'I had the honour of meeting him. A truly inspiring man. His discipline, simple living, and deep humility left a lasting mark on me. 'A reminder that age is just a number, but attitude is everything. Rest in power, legend.' Jas Athwal MP said on X: 'Deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Sardar Fauja Singh Ji. 'He was legendary – a man who continued running until he was 101. He was a global Sikh icon, that inspired millions across the world. 'His spirit and legacy of resilience will run on forever. My heartfelt condolences to all his family and friends. We will miss him. RIP.' Donations can be made at:
