World’s Oldest Marathon Runner Fauja Singh Dies at 114 in Punjab Accident: A Life That Inspired Millions

A Tragic End to an Extraordinary Journey

Tributes are pouring in from across the UK and India for Fauja Singh, the world’s oldest marathon runner, who tragically passed away on Monday after being hit by a car in his native village of Beas Pind, Punjab. He was 114 years old.

Despite the heartbreaking accident, Singh leaves behind a powerful legacy of determination, humility, and inspiration that touched lives across continents. Known fondly as the “Turbaned Tornado,” he proved that age is never a barrier to breaking records or inspiring generations.

A Man Who Inspired Beyond Borders

Writer and filmmaker Captain Jay Singh-Sohal remembered him as a man who embodied both pride in his Sikh identity and a universal message of fitness.

“I met him many times. He was a very inspiring figure who maintained his Sikh identity with a turban and uncut beard, and in turn, he inspired many others. Not only did he motivate people of all ages to stay physically active, but he also showed young Sikhs that religious adherence was never a barrier to achieving great things,” Sohal said.

Singh’s story wasn’t just about marathons. It was about breaking stereotypes and redefining old age as a stage of possibility rather than limitation.

Discovering Running in His 80s

Most professional athletes peak in their 20s or 30s. But for Fauja Singh, life as a runner began when others slow down. In his 80s, battling boredom and loneliness, he turned to running as a way to stay active.

What started as simple walks soon transformed into long-distance running. Within no time, Singh became a global celebrity. His first official marathon was the London Marathon in 2000, at the age of 89, after just 11 weeks of training with his British coach Harmander Singh.

From that point on, there was no looking back. He went on to run nine marathons in total, completing his last one in London in 2012 at the age of 101, clocking an impressive 7 hours and 49 minutes.

A Life of Humility and Discipline

Despite the fame, Singh remained deeply humble and rooted in his simple lifestyle. UK MP Preet Kaur Gill recalled:

“He was very down-to-earth and humble regardless of his fame. He ate very simply — just daal and rice. His discipline, simple living, and deep humility left a lasting mark on me.”

MP Tanmanjeet Singh also described him as someone who would be “sorely missed.”

Hardeep Singh, deputy director of the Network of Sikh Organisations, said, “Despite his extraordinary and record-breaking achievements, he was incredibly generous with his time.”

Spirit of the Marathon

The London Marathon Group CEO, Nick Bitel, called Singh the very embodiment of the marathon spirit.

“Fauja Singh was an incredible, inspirational human being who epitomised the Spirit of the London Marathon. Our thoughts are with his family and friends,” Bitel said.

His running was not just about personal achievement. Singh dedicated most of his races to charity causes, raising funds and awareness for numerous organisations. “He always said it was the blessings of the beneficiaries of those charities that kept him going,” recalled his coach Harmander.

Trials, Tragedies and Triumphs

Born in 1911, Singh’s life was filled with personal losses. He had six children. In the 1980s, tragedy struck when one of his daughters died during childbirth. Soon after, his wife Gian Kaur passed away. Then, his son Kuldeep died in an accident before his eyes.

These heartbreaks pushed Singh into depression. Seeking change, he moved to the UK to live with his son Sukhjinder in Ilford, London.

At first, Singh struggled with loneliness in a foreign land where Punjabi media was limited. But fate had bigger plans. A charity walk introduced him to the world of long-distance running — a turning point that transformed his grief into global recognition.

The “Turbaned Tornado” Takes on the World

Once he embraced running, Singh’s celebrity status grew. He became a symbol of resilience, fitness, and Sikh pride.

Harmander Singh recalled a memorable moment when Fauja Singh was invited by former Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf to run the Lahore Marathon. “He couldn’t believe that a poor, illiterate farmer who had never gone to school was rubbing shoulders with a head of state,” Harmander said.

Singh enjoyed the social interactions and attention that came with his fame. For him, running wasn’t just exercise — it was a way to connect with people and spread positivity.

Fitness Secrets of a 100-Year-Old Athlete

Fauja Singh’s fitness secrets fascinated researchers. Even in his 100s, he jogged or walked 10 miles every day, maintained a minimal vegetarian diet, and weighed very little.

Medical students once conducted bone density tests on him. Their findings stunned everyone — his left leg had the density of a 30-year-old, while his right leg was as strong as a 20-year-old. Singh laughed and said, “I always knew my left leg was weak.”

This remarkable health was proof of his lifelong discipline, simple eating, and active lifestyle.

Returning Home in His Final Years

After living in the UK for decades, Fauja Singh returned to his birth village Beas Pind, near Jalandhar, about five years ago during the pandemic. Despite being a British citizen, he preferred spending his final years in India, close to his roots.

Sadly, it was here that his life came to a sudden end after a car accident. But even in death, his story continues to inspire millions worldwide.

Carrying Forward His Legacy

Fauja Singh’s running group, “Sikhs in the City”, is now raising funds for a clubhouse along the route where he trained. The path will be named in his honour. They are also compiling a memorial book with messages from people whose lives he touched.

His coach Harmander Singh summed up his journey beautifully: “He raised the profile of charities and brought communities together. He enjoyed the attention because it kept him going, at a stage in life when most elderly people feel neglected.”

A Legend Who Will Never Be Forgotten

From a small farmer in Punjab to a global icon, Fauja Singh’s story is one of resilience, faith, and determination. He broke barriers of age, culture, and geography — showing the world that it’s never too late to chase a dream.

He may have left the world at 114, but the Turbaned Tornado will forever remain a symbol of strength, humility, and the power of the human spirit.