Fauja Singh, the world’s oldest marathon runner and an enduring icon of resilience, passed away at the age of 114 in a road accident on Monday.
The tragic incident occurred on the Jalandhar-Pathankot highway when he was reportedly struck by a car, resulting in a fatal head injury. He succumbed to his injuries later that evening at 7:30 pm IST.
Born on April 1, 1911, in Beas village of Punjab’s Jalandhar district, Singh lived a life that inspired millions across the globe. Known affectionately as the “Turbaned Tornado,” he took up long-distance running seriously only in his late 80s, following the deaths of his wife and son.
He completed nine full marathons, including those in London, Toronto, and New York, with his best time of 5 hours, 40 minutes, and 4 seconds recorded in Toronto. He also served as a torchbearer for both the 2004 Athens Olympics and 2012 London Games, and once appeared in an advertisement campaign alongside sporting legends David Beckham and Muhammad Ali.
Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria paid tribute to Singh, writing:
“Deeply saddened by the passing of Sardar Fauja Singh Ji… Even at 114, he continued to inspire generations with his strength and commitment… His legacy will forever live on.”
Fauja Singh had been actively involved in social movements too, including a drug-free Punjab march as recently as December 2024. His body has been kept in a mortuary until his children, who live abroad, arrive for his last rites.
Fauja Singh’s passing marks the end of a remarkable era, but his story of determination and late-life transformation will continue to inspire future generations of athletes, dreamers, and everyday people around the world.
