The world’s oldest marathon runner, Fauja Singh, passed away at a private hospital in Jalandhar, Punjab, today. He was 114. He was reportedly hit by an unidentified vehicle in his village, Beas, and succumbed to his injuries.
The legendary marathon runner—born in Punjab and immigrated to the UK in 1992—was fondly known as the ‘Turbaned Tornado’. Singh started his marathon journey at the age of 89 in the year 2000, after losing his wife, Gian Kaur, and son Kuldip Singh.
Fauja ran nine full marathons, and his fastest was the one in Toronto, Canada, where he clocked five hours, forty minutes, and four seconds.
Difficult Childhood
Fauja was born on April 1, 1911, in Beas Pind, Punjab. He took up farming at a very young age to support his family.
Singh did not have an easy childhood. His family thought he had a disability, as he couldn’t walk properly until the age of 5.
Fauja’s Eureka Moment!
Grieving the loss of his beloved wife and young son, Fauja moved to London in 1992 to stay with his other son, Sukhjinder, and his family at the age of 83.
One fine day, while watching television, Fauja got inspired to participate in an upcoming marathon in London, and there was no looking back since then.
Age Was Just a Number for Fauja!
He was already 89 when he saw a TV anchor inviting people to participate in London’s upcoming marathon, but his age could not dampen his enthusiasm. He started taking steps to improve his fitness, aiming to put his best foot forward at the marathon.
When Fauja met his coach, Harmander Singh, and expressed his intent to participate in the London Marathon, the latter seemed to shake his head in utter disbelief, looking at Fauja’s age. But due to Fauja’s relentless persuasion, Harmander was convinced and agreed to coach him.
On the day of the marathon, Fauja ran alongside his coach and crossed the finishing line after running 26 miles and 36 yards.
Fauja also became the oldest man to ever finish a marathon—at the age of 101.
Commitment to Noble Causes
Fauja also ran in several charity events, raising funds for the care of premature babies, the welfare of the Sikh community, and other causes.
As an advocate of vegetarianism, Singh also featured in PETA campaigns.
Remarkable Highlights from Fauja’s Career:
- In 2004, Adidas signed up Fauja for an ad campaign titled ‘Impossible is Nothing’ alongside David Beckham and Muhammad Ali.
- At the age of 93, Singh created a new world record by becoming the first nonagenarian to finish a marathon in six hours and 54 minutes.
- Singh was also a torchbearer for the 2012 Olympics.
- He received the prestigious British Empire Medal for his athletic achievements on January 1, 2015.
Picture Courtesy: TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon
