World’s ‘oldest’ marathon runner dies at 114 in hit-and-run

, Believed to Be World’s Oldest Marathon Runner, Dies at 114 in India

Fauja Singh, a British-Indian marathon legend widely regarded as the world’s oldest marathon runner, has tragically died at the age of 114 after being struck by a car in his birth village in Punjab, India.

According to police reports, Singh was crossing a road in Beas Pind near Jalandhar when an unidentified vehicle hit him. Locals rushed him to a nearby hospital, but he later passed away. Authorities have launched a search for the driver responsible. “The accused will be caught soon,” said Harvinder Singh, a senior district police officer.

Singh’s death sparked an outpouring of tributes worldwide. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi described him as an “exceptional athlete with incredible determination.” Harmander Singh, Fauja’s coach and founder of the running club Sikhs In The City, confirmed the news, saying, “It is with great sadness that we confirm the passing of our icon of humanity and powerhouse of positivity.”

Sikhs In The City announced that upcoming events in Ilford, East London—where Fauja had lived since 1992—would honor his life and legacy. They also plan to accelerate fundraising efforts for the Fauja Singh Clubhouse, a training route landmark in Ilford.

A Remarkable Journey

Fauja Singh began running at the remarkable age of 89, turning to the sport as a way to heal from profound personal loss. Between 2000 and 2013, he completed nine full marathons across various age categories, becoming a global symbol of perseverance and health in later life.

Known for his agility and daily walks even at an advanced age, Singh told the BBC in June, “I still go for walks around the village to keep my legs strong. A person has to take care of his own body.”

He was a torchbearer for the 2012 London Olympics and reportedly became the first centenarian to complete a full marathon in Toronto in 2011. Though Guinness World Records did not officially recognize him as the oldest marathon runner due to a lack of a birth certificate from 1911, Singh’s British passport listed his birthdate as April 1, 1911, and he received a congratulatory letter from the Queen on his 100th birthday.

From Humble Beginnings to Global Inspiration

Growing up in Punjab, Singh struggled with weak legs and was unable to walk properly until age five, leading to teasing by villagers. He later reflected, “But the same boy, once mocked for his weakness, went on to make history.”

Before taking up running, Singh was a farmer who had witnessed the hardships of both World Wars and the trauma of Partition. “In my youth, I didn’t even know the word ‘marathon’ existed,” he said. “I never went to school, nor was I involved in sports.”

After losing his wife, Gian Kaur, in the early 1990s and later witnessing the tragic death of his younger son, Kuldeep, during a visit to India, Singh was overcome with grief. Concerned for his well-being, his family brought him back to the UK.

A New Beginning Through Running

In Ilford, London, Singh found solace among a group of elderly men who ran together and met coach Harmander Singh. “Had I not met Harmander Singh, I wouldn’t have gotten into marathon running,” Fauja said.

Singh’s story is one of resilience, healing, and breaking barriers, inspiring millions around the world to believe in the power of perseverance, no matter the age.