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Los Angeles Times
19 hours ago
- Sport
- Los Angeles Times
World's oldest marathon runner, Fauja Singh, dies in a hit-and-run at 114
Fauja Singh, a torchbearer at the 2012 London Olympics and the world's oldest marathon runner, died Monday in a hit-and-run, according to police in the northwestern Indian state of Punjab. He was 114. Born in India in 1911, Singh lived much of his life in London. On Oct. 13, 2011, in Toronto, he set a flurry of world age-group records at a meet established especially for him, the Ontario Masters Association Fauja Singh Invitational. Singh, nicknamed the 'Turbaned Tornado,' ran the 100 meters in 23.14, 200 meters in 52.23, 400 meters in 2:13.48, 800 meters in 5:32.18, 1500 meters in 11:27.81, one mile in 11:53.45, 3000 meters in 24:52.47 and 5000 meters in 49:57.39. He was 100 years old. 'He rested between the events by sitting down and having a few sips of tea,' Ontario Masters official Doug Smith told the New York Times in 2017. 'He was actually running — both feet off the ground. 'It was the most astonishing achievement.' Singh became the first centenarian to finish a marathon three days later, completing the Toronto Waterfront Marathon in 8 hours, 11 minutes and 6 seconds. He didn't begin the race until 14 minutes after the starting gun because of the congestion of runners, so his official time was 8:25:17. Guinness World Records wouldn't recognize the feat because Singh didn't have a birth certificate. India didn't keep official birth records when he was born in 1911. The birth date on his passport was April 1, 1911. A Punjabi Sikh, Singh moved to London in 1992 to live with an adult son after his wife, Gian Kaur, a son and a daughter died. He took up running two years later to alleviate his grief after the death of his fifth son, Kuldip. 'The villagers would tell one of his sons to take him to the UK because he would keep visiting the cremation ground and sit there for hours,' his biographer, Khushwant Singh, told NDTV. Running soon became his passion. Easily identified by his long white beard and orange Sikh turban, Singh was honored with a letter from Queen Elizabeth II of England when he turned 100 and was the subject of a biography launched in the House of Lords. In all, Singh completed nine marathons and ran his last competitive race in February 2013 when he was 101, finishing a 10K run in Hong Kong in 1 hour 32 minutes and 28 seconds. Singh returned to India during the pandemic and was hit by a car Monday while on his daily walk in his home village of Beas Pind. He died in a hospital, his former coach Harmander Singh told the New York Times. 'We would always tell him that someone his age running in India would always run the risk of being hit given how reckless the driving here is,' Khushwant Singh said. 'This is what ultimately happened, unfortunately,'
India Today
21 hours ago
- General
- India Today
‘Turbaned Tornado': Why Punjab and the Sikh world are mourning Fauja Singh
Fauja Singh's sudden death on July 14 in a road accident near his ancestral village of Bias Pind in Jalandhar has plunged Punjab into disbelief and mourning. The 114-year-old was not just the world's oldest marathoner, but among the last living links to a Punjab that was pre-Partition, pre-industrial and still rooted in oral traditions and agrarian rhythms. The death—he was struck down by a speeding vehicle during a morning walk—has added mythic poignancy to a man who spent three decades outrunning the Sikh world, Fauja Singh was the 'Turbaned Tornado'—the centenarian marathoner who bent the rules of age and identity. To Punjab and the global Sikh diaspora, he was something even deeper: a moral compass, a cultural icon and the walking embodiment of chardi kala—the Sikh belief in eternal optimism. In a state where the youth faces the pressures of drugs, unemployment and despair, Fauja Singh stood for endurance, discipline and clean living. Just weeks before his death, he had led a symbolic walkathon against substance abuse, joined by Punjab governor Gulab Chand Kataria. Even at 114, he was walking with Minister Narendra Modi, in his condolence message, said: 'Fauja Singh Ji was extraordinary because of his unique persona and the manner in which he inspired the youth of India on a very important topic of fitness. 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.'Born in 1911 in British India, Fauja Singh lived through empires, wars, migration and tragedy. For most of his life, he was a modest farmer. It was only in his 80s—after losing his wife and a son—that he turned to walking, then running, as therapy. What began as grief management evolved into spiritual clarity and global acclaim. At 89, he ran his first marathon in London. By the time he turned 100, he had become the oldest man to complete a full marathon, running in Toronto in 2011. Though Guinness declined to certify the feat due to lack of a birth certificate, the world recognised the achievement. As his biographer Khushwant Singh said, 'The legend didn't need paperwork. His steps spoke louder.'Singh's endurance placed him in an elite league of centenarian athletes. Poland's Stanislaw Kowalski competed in sprints and throws past 110. Japan's Hidekichi Miyazaki, nicknamed the 'Golden Bolt', ran 100m races at 105. Thailand's Sawang Janpram, now 105, still dominates masters track events. Australia's Henry Young, 101, plays competitive tennis with two knee replacements. But what set Fauja Singh apart was the global stage on which he competed—and the cultural force he became. Good enough to become global icon for Sikh rightly so. Unlike others who participated in niche age-group competitions, Fauja Singh ran major marathons—New York, London, Hong Kong, Edinburgh—alongside elite athletes a fraction of his age. Biographer Khushwant Singh had said he didn't race for money or fame. He ran for causes: disaster relief, cancer research, orphaned children. He refused appearance fees, declined sponsorships that clashed with his ethics, and gave away most of what he earned. When asked why he ran, his reply was simple: 'To feel closer to the One above.'Fauja Singh's turban and white beard made him instantly recognisable. His folded hands at finish lines became iconic. In a post-9/11 world where Sikh identity was often misunderstood or misrepresented, Fauja Singh quietly changed perceptions. Without delivering speeches, he embodied grace, humility and strength. He carried Sikh identity on his shoulders across continents—and into hearts unfamiliar with Punjab or its also inspired many. Fellow centenarian sprinter Man Kaur, who raced into her 100s, often called him her role model. Sikh athletes like Harmander Singh, who trained with him in London, recall his discipline and serenity. Thai, Australian and American masters athletes cite him as proof of what the ageing body can still do—with faith and routine was remarkably simple: vegetarian. Relied on dal-roti, fruits, no processed food, lots of water. Like a devout Sikh, his close aide would tell you that he meditated daily and followed a strict schedule. Despite receiving the British Empire Medal and being an Olympic torchbearer in 2012, they added, his humility never wavered. In 2005, Nike featured him in its 'Impossible is Nothing' death has sparked an outpouring of grief—and gratitude. Gurdwaras across Punjab and diaspora communities in Canada, the UK, US, Australia and Kenya (where he lived briefly) have held ardaas (prayers). In Bias Pind, villagers recall his warmth, his readiness to bless newborns, his eagerness to keep walking. On social media, younger generations—many of whom never met him—have posted tributes calling him 'Grandfather of Endurance' and 'Living Legend, Now Eternal'.advertisementThere is also renewed interest in his cinematic legacy. A Bollywood biopic, Fauja, was announced in 2021 by director Omung Kumar and producer Kunal Shivdasani, based on Khushwant Singh's book The Turbaned Tornado. After years of delay, the project may now find momentum. With its themes of grief, resilience, transformation and spiritual strength, the story holds universal appeal—especially in a country redefining its ideas of ageing, fitness and a story he once told during a marathon in Hong Kong. When asked what he thinks while running, he said, 'Waheguru. Every step is a prayer.' Now, as Punjab grieves and the Sikh world reflects, those footsteps echo louder than ever. Not because he was fast. But because he never stoppedSubscribe to India Today Magazine- Ends
CNA
a day ago
- CNA
Oldest marathon runner Fauja Singh dies at 114 in hit-and-run
Fauja Singh, regarded as the oldest person and the first centenarian to complete a full marathon, has died at the age of 114 after he was struck by a vehicle near his village in Punjab, India, media reports said. Singh, who claimed to be born in 1911, completed the Toronto Waterfront Marathon in 2011, when he was 100. He had registered his best time in a full marathon at the same event in 2003, finishing the race in five hours and 40 minutes. He was not inducted into the Guinness Book of World Records due to the lack of a birth certificate, as birth records were not kept in India in 1911, media reports said in 2011. "My 'Turbaned Tornado' is no more," Singh's biographer Khushwant Singh posted on X on Monday. "He was struck by an unidentified vehicle around 3:30 PM today in his village, Bias, while crossing the road. Rest in peace, my dear Fauja." Efforts were underway to identify the vehicle, which fled the scene, police told local media. An amateur runner in his youth, Singh later settled in London, where he began running competitively at 89. He ran several full marathons and also competed in 10 km races before retiring in 2013. "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," India's prime minister Narendra Modi posted on X on Tuesday.
France 24
a day ago
- Sport
- France 24
'World's oldest marathon runner' dies aged 114 in road accident
Singh, an Indian-born British national, nicknamed the "Turbaned Tornado", died after being hit by a vehicle in Punjab state's Jalandhar district on Monday. "My Turbaned Tornado is no more," Fauja's biographer Khushwant Singh wrote on X. "He was struck by an unidentified vehicle... in his village, Bias, while crossing the road. Rest in peace, my dear Fauja." Singh did not have a birth certificate but his family said he was born on April 1, 1911. He ran full marathons (42 kilometre) till the age of 100. His last race was a 10-kilometre (six-mile) event at the 2013 Hong Kong Marathon when 101, where he finished in one hour, 32 minutes and 28 seconds. He became an international sensation after taking up distance running at the ripe old age of 89, after the death of his wife and one of his sons, inspired by seeing marathons on television. Although widely regarded as the world's oldest marathon runner, he was not certified by Guinness World Records as he could not prove his age, saying that birth certificates did not exist when he was born under British colonial rule in 2011. Singh was a torchbearer for the Olympics at Athens 2004 and London 2012, and appeared in advertisements with sports stars such as David Beckham and Muhammad Ali. His strength and vitality were credited to a routine of farm walks and a diet including Indian sweet "laddu" packed with dry fruits and home-churned curd. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute on social media. "Fauja Singh was extraordinary because of his unique persona and the manner in which he inspired the youth of India on a very important topic of fitness," said Modi on X "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." © 2025 AFP
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First Post
a day ago
- First Post
114-yr-old marathon runner Fauja Singh dies after being hit by vehicle while out for a walk
Veteran marathon runner Fauja Singh passed away at 114 after being hit by an unidentified vehicle in Punjab's Jalandhar district. read more Fauja Singh was killed after being hit by an unidentified vehicle in Jalandhar. Image: Reuters Chandigarh: Veteran marathon runner Fauja Singh died on Monday after being hit by an unidentified vehicle while out for a walk in his native village in Punjab's Jalandhar district. He was 114. His demise was confirmed by author Khushwant Singh, a former state information commissioner of Punjab, who spoke to Fauja Singh's family members. Khushwant Singh had written a biography on Fauja Singh titled 'The Turbaned Tornado'. A Jalandhar police official also confirmed Fauja Singh's death, saying he was out for a walk in Bias village when an unidentified vehicle struck him. Fauja Singh suffered head injuries and succumbed in the evening. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The erring driver, who is yet to be identified, fled after the incident, SHO of Adampur Police Station in Jalandhar, Hardevpreet Singh, told PTI over the phone. 'He was walking on the road when a car coming from Bhogpur hit him. He suffered head injuries and was taken to a private hospital where he died in the evening,' the SHO said. A case of rash and negligent driving has been registered against the driver, the officer added. Punjab Governor and Chandigarh Administrator, Gulab Chand Kataria, said he was 'deeply saddened' by the passing away of Fauja Singh. 'Deeply saddened by the passing of Sardar Fauja Singh Ji, the legendary marathon runner and symbol of resilience. At 114, he joined me in the 'Nasha Mukt, Rangla Punjab' march with unmatched spirit. His legacy will continue to inspire a drug-free Punjab. Om Shanti Om,' the governor posted on X. In a statement issued later, Kataria said, 'His legacy, however, will forever live on in the hearts of those fighting for a healthier and drug-free Punjab. My heartfelt condolences to his family and admirers across the globe. May his soul attain eternal peace, said the governor.' Last year, Fauja Singh, in a symbolic gesture, joined Kataria in a walkathon to spread awareness against drug abuse. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In a post on X, Khushwant Singh said, 'My Turbaned Tornado is no more. It is with great sadness that I share the passing of my most revered S. Fauja Singh. He was struck by an unidentified vehicle around 3.30 pm today in his village, Bias, while crossing the road. Rest in peace, my dear Fauja.' When contacted, he said that he had spoken with Fauja Singh's family members, who confirmed his death. Following the accident, Fauja Singh was taken to a private hospital in Jalandhar, where he succumbed to injuries, Khushwant Singh said. BJP leader and former Punjab chief minister Capt Amarinder Singh said the veteran marathon runner's 'extraordinary life and unwavering spirit' will continue to inspire generations. 'Deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Fauja Singh Ji, the legendary marathon runner, at the age of 114 in a tragic road accident. His extraordinary life and unwavering spirit will continue to inspire generations. May his soul rest in peace,' he said. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Born in 1911 into a family of farmers, Fauja Singh was the youngest of four siblings. He became the first centenarian to complete a marathon, earning multiple records while participating in international events. Singh began running marathons at an old age, gaining the nickname 'Turbaned Tornado' for his endurance and athleticism. He moved to England in the 1990s and later returned to live in his native village in Punjab. He was a torchbearer for the London 2012 Olympics. Fauja Singh decided to run marathons for charity in 1999. His first such charity event was for premature babies. In 2013, Fauja Singh, who was honoured at a local school in Fatehgarh Sahib, said that one of his goals was to promote the understanding of Sikh culture. 'My beard and my turban have enhanced my respect in the world, and I believe in God… That's the reason I was able to accomplish my goals in life,' he said. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The 114-page biography captures Fauja Singh's zest for life and his invincible spirit. Lord Anthony Young of Norwood Green had formally released the biography of Fauja Singh in 2011 in London.
