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“Can you imagine living this long and dying in this fashion?” said Bob Anderson, founder of My Best Runs. “I’m deeply saddened by the tragic loss Shri Fauja Singh ji. He was the embodiment of endurance and spirit.”

The Turbaned Tornado Who Defied Time

Born on April 1, 1911, in Beas Pind, Punjab, Fauja Singh didn’t learn to walk until he was five due to childhood weakness. No one could have predicted he would go on to become one of the most iconic figures in distance running history.

He took up running in his late 80s to cope with the grief of losing his wife and son. What began as a form of healing turned into a second life as a marathoner. At age 89, Singh ran his first marathon—the 2000 London Marathon—finishing in 6 hours and 54 minutes.

A Record-Breaking Journey

Over the next decade, Singh became a global sensation:

• He set multiple age-group world records from 100m to the marathon in the 90+ and 100+ categories.

• In 2011, at age 100, he became the first centenarian to complete a marathon (Toronto Waterfront) in 8 hours 11 minutes.

• He carried the Olympic torch in both the 2004 Athens and 2012 London Games.

• Singh completed his final race—a 10K in Hong Kong—in 2013 at the age of 101.

Though Guinness did not certify his 100+ age records due to lack of birth documentation, the running world recognized him for what he was: the oldest marathoner to ever cross the finish line.

A Global Inspiration

Fauja Singh became more than a runner—he became a symbol. With his flowing white beard, bright smile, and signature turban, he challenged perceptions of aging and inspired generations.

“He was a powerhouse of positivity,” Anderson said. “He showed the world what’s possible, regardless of age.”

Not just admired by runners, Singh was revered across cultures and nations. Tributes have poured in from athletes, politicians, and fans across the globe.

A Tragic End

On July 14, 2025, Fauja Singh was struck and killed by a speeding vehicle in his hometown of Jalandhar, Punjab, while on his way to his evening walk. He was 114 years old.

The hit-and-run incident occurred just 400 meters from his home. Despite being rushed to the hospital, he succumbed to his injuries hours later.

Local authorities are actively investigating the incident, but no arrest has been made at the time of publication.

A Final Salute

Fauja Singh lived every one of his 114 years with purpose. He ran with passion, smiled through hardship, and inspired millions.

“This was the only way death could conquer him—doing what he loved the most,” said Bob Anderson. “We salute him. May his soul rest in peace."

Fauja Singh will not be remembered for the way he died, but for the way he lived—and ran.

"I just can not believe he is gone," says Bob " but his spirt will live forever."

Fauja Singh (now 114 on April 1), the world’s oldest marathon runner, has captivated global audiences not only for his remarkable endurance but for his exceptional longevity. Now 114 years old, Singh’s life continues to inspire athletes, health enthusiasts, and everyday people alike. But what’s the secret behind his extraordinary vitality?

1. An Active Lifestyle

Even after completing his last marathon at age 101 in April 2012, Singh has continued to stay physically active. His daily routine includes walking, light jogging, and stretching—nothing excessive, but always consistent. “Exercise is like brushing your teeth,” Singh once said. “You don’t stop doing it just because you’ve reached a certain age.”

2. A Clean, Simple Diet

Singh follows a strict vegetarian diet. His meals are based on fresh vegetables, lentils, rice, fruit, and whole grains. He avoids processed food, sugar, alcohol, and smoking altogether. Singh believes that nourishing the body with natural, wholesome food is fundamental to both physical health and mental clarity.

3. Purpose-Driven Living

One of Singh’s most powerful tools is his unwavering sense of purpose. He began running in his late 80s to cope with grief and loss but quickly turned that pain into passion. Through running, he found a new mission: to inspire others to stay active and never give up. Purpose, he believes, is as vital to longevity as diet or exercise.

4. A Peaceful Mindset

Singh emphasizes the importance of a positive outlook. He avoids negativity and believes in keeping the mind at peace. “The first 20 miles are not difficult,” he famously said. “As for the last six miles, I run while talking to God.” His spiritual mindset and light-hearted humor have helped him weather life’s toughest storms with grace.

5. Community and Connection

Despite global fame, Singh remains deeply rooted in community. He frequently engages with young runners, appears at health events, and shares his story with humility. This sense of connection and service keeps him mentally sharp and emotionally fulfilled.

Fauja Singh’s life is a reminder that age is not a barrier—it’s a benchmark of experience, strength, and resilience. His journey isn’t just about breaking records; it’s about breaking stereotypes. And his secrets? They’re not hidden in science labs or supplements—they’re found in movement, simplicity, peace, and purpose.

Fauja Singh, born on April 1, 1911, in Beas Pind, Punjab, British India, is widely celebrated as the world’s oldest marathon runner. His remarkable journey from a quiet farming life to global athletic acclaim has inspired millions, proving that age is no barrier to endurance, purpose, or reinvention. 

From Tragedy to Triumph

Singh’s path to running began in the wake of personal tragedy. After losing his wife in 1992 and witnessing the death of his son in 1994, he moved to London in the late 1990s. At 89, he took up running as a way to cope with grief and rediscover purpose. In 2000, he completed his first marathon in London, launching a career that would span over a decade. 

A Record-Breaking Career

Singh completed nine full marathons between 2000 and 2011, including events in London, Toronto, and New York. His personal best was 5:40 at the 2003 Toronto Waterfront Marathon, setting a world record for the 90+ age group. At 100, he became the first centenarian to complete a marathon, finishing the 2011 Toronto Waterfront Marathon in 8:11:06. Though Guinness World Records did not certify the feat due to the absence of a birth certificate, Singh’s accomplishment remains a historic milestone.   

Final Race and Continued Inspiration

Singh ran his final competitive race on February 24, 2013, completing a 10km event at the Hong Kong Marathon in 1:32:28, just weeks before his 102nd birthday. Though retired from competition, he continued to jog daily and participate in community events, promoting health and fitness.  

Legacy Beyond the Finish Line

Singh’s influence extends beyond his athletic achievements. He was featured in Adidas’ “Impossible is Nothing” campaign alongside icons like Muhammad Ali and David Beckham. In 2015, he was awarded the British Empire Medal for services to sport and charity. His life story has been chronicled in the biography Turbaned Tornado and the children’s book Fauja Singh Keeps Going.   

A Life of Simplicity and Purpose

Singh attributes his longevity and vitality to a simple vegetarian diet, abstaining from smoking and alcohol, and maintaining a positive outlook. He once said, “The first 20 miles are not difficult. As for the last six miles, I run while talking to God.”  

Fauja Singh’s journey exemplifies the boundless potential of the human spirit. His legacy continues to inspire individuals worldwide to pursue their passions, regardless of age.

In an inspiring display of endurance and passion, 92-year-old Italian runner Antonio Rao completed his 30th consecutive Rome Marathon on March 16, 2025. Finishing the 42.195 km course in 6 hours, 44 minutes, and 16 seconds, Rao continues to defy age-related expectations and inspire runners worldwide.

Rao’s marathon journey began in 1995, and he has not missed a single Rome Marathon since. This year’s race marked his third marathon finish in his 90s. Notably, in 2023, he set an Italian men’s 90+ age-group record with a time of 6:14:44, showcasing his remarkable consistency and dedication to the sport.  

Despite facing health challenges leading up to the race, Rao expressed surprise at his performance: “I haven’t been feeling well lately, and I didn’t think I could finish it,” he admitted. “Instead, I finished with a time 10 minutes faster than last year.”

In addition to his marathon achievements, Rao also completed the Roma-Ostia Half Marathon (blue shirt) just weeks prior, finishing in 2 hours and 54 minutes, further demonstrating his unwavering commitment to running.

While Rao’s accomplishments are extraordinary, it’s worth noting that Fauja Singh, a British runner of Indian origin, holds the record for the fastest marathon time in the 90+ age group. At age 92, Singh completed the 2003 Toronto Waterfront Marathon in 5 hours and 40 minutes.  

Antonio Rao’s dedication to running serves as a powerful reminder that age is no barrier to pursuing one’s passions. His story continues to inspire runners of all ages to stay active and embrace the joy of the sport.

Harmander Singh, 62, from Ilford, tested positive for coronavirus in January.

The retired local authority worker has run 163 marathons over the years but said he felt “doddery” after overcoming the virus and it took him four months to get back to running.

He said he lost 12lbs in a week while he had Covid-19.

Describing his illness, he said: “In all my life that I’ve been working I’ve never had a day off sick, so it was a new experience for me. I couldn’t breath.”

He did not go to hospital, instead isolating in an upstairs guestroom in the family home.

“After my isolation period finished, I found it a struggle to even come down the stairs,” he said.

There wasn’t any moment when I said I’m going to give up but I was becoming more realistic about what my chances were of ever running a marathon again. But I was determined

“I took it one step at a time and was a bit doddery.

“I started walking a bit more each day. It was a struggle.

“There wasn’t any moment when I said I’m going to give up but I was becoming more realistic about what my chances were of ever running a marathon again. But I was determined.”

He said that running the London Marathon will be the “biggest stepping stone to being normal again”.

“London is my favorite by far,” he said.

“It’s not just because I’m a Londoner it’s genuinely the best race in the world.

Mr Singh, whose personal best time for a marathon is three hours 11 minutes at a race in Manchester said he has no target time for the London Marathon on October 3.

“I’m going to, for the first time in so long, genuinely going to just enjoy it,” he said.

Mr Singh is club president of the Sikhs In The City running group, which he described as the “only Asian-led athletics club in the UK”.

He is coach to 110-year-old Fauja Singh, who he said is the world’s oldest marathon runner – running his first marathon aged 89 and his last aged 101.

This year’s London Marathon will be Mr Singh’s 164th marathon in total.

He has also completed the Great North Run every year for the last 37 years and said he wants to continue with both races until he is 74, meaning he will have run 50 of each.

“But that’s not within my gift, it’s up to god,” he said.

Fauja Singh, 109, who broke marathon records and was dubbed the “Sikh Superman” before hanging up his running shoes six years ago, will be the subject of a Bollywood film, Fauja, tracing his remarkable career.

The life of Fauja Singh, the oldest marathon runner in the world, will be told in a Bollywood film.

The biopic on the ‘Sikh Superman’, titled Fauja will be directed by Omung Kumar. He will also produce it alongside Kunal Shivdasani and Raaj Shaandilya.

Omung is best known for Mary Kom, which starred Priyanka Chopra and won a National Film Award in 2014 for ‘Best Popular Film’. He also directed Sarbjit.

According to Deadline, Fauja will tell the story of how 109-year-old Fauja Singh shocked the world by breaking a number of records in multiple age brackets as a marathon runner.

Singh made his London marathon debut in 2000 at the age of 89. He has gone on to complete the famed marathon six times.

He has also completed marathons in New York and in Toronto twice.

The film’s screenplay is being adapted from his biography Turbaned Tornado, which was written by Khushwant Singh.

Vipul Mehta, who is known for the Gujarati film Carry on Kesar, has written the film’s script.

On the film, Omung said: “The story of Fauja Singh depicts the insurmountable odds stacked against him and what sheer power of will can make of someone who is challenged medically, by age and by society.”

Kunal added: “It is a beautiful story about a man whose life takes him on an epic journey making him a world icon as he discovers his passion for running marathons; eventually that guided him to make an impact on the world by bringing about a change to humanity.

“Omung is a dear friend and we share the same vision for the film, he has helmed Sarbjit and Mary Kom – two of the best and most successful biopics in the country and so having him chair the director’s role for this film was a unanimous decision.

“Our film intends to make the amazing journey of Fauja Singh personal to everyone watching it.”

Raaj said: “Fauja Singh is the real king and we are all honored to present his story in the form of a cinematic experience for the Indian diaspora world over.

“This story takes us on a journey through time and makes the realization of what our grandparents have been through hit home.

“It is a film that promises an instant connect.”

MBR FAST FACT: On October 16, 2011, Fauja Singh became the first 100-year-old to finish a marathon, completing the Toronto Waterfront Marathon in 8:11:06. He still runs for pleasure and charity at age 106. Singh says running has given him purpose and a sense of peace. "Why worry about these small, small things? I don't stress. You never hear of anyone dying of happiness."