Quick Read
- Fauja Singh, the world’s oldest marathon runner, died at 114 in a hit-and-run incident in Punjab, India.
- Singh began running at the age of 81 and broke multiple world records, including becoming the first centenarian to complete a marathon.
- Known as the ‘Turbaned Tornado,’ he used his platform to advocate for animal rights, social equality, and environmental causes.
- He was a torchbearer for the 2004 Athens and 2012 London Olympics and remained an active figure until his passing.
- Police have identified the vehicle involved in the accident, but the driver remains at large.
On July 15, 2025, the world mourned the loss of Fauja Singh, the world’s oldest marathon runner, who passed away at the age of 114 in a tragic hit-and-run incident in Punjab, India. Singh, affectionately known as the ‘Turbaned Tornado,’ was struck by a white Toyota Fortuner while on his daily walk near his home village of Beas Pind. The vehicle fled the scene, and police have since identified it through CCTV footage, launching an active hunt for the driver. Singh succumbed to his injuries in the hospital shortly after the accident, marking the end of a life that inspired millions around the globe.
A Life of Resilience and Triumph
Born on April 1, 1911, in the village of Beas Pind, Punjab, Fauja Singh lived through some of the most transformative events in modern history, including two world wars, the partition of India in 1947, and two global pandemics. His life took a significant turn in the early 1990s when he moved to London to live with his son after losing his wife and one of his children. Grieving and searching for purpose, Singh found solace in running at the age of 81, an age when most would consider retiring from physical pursuits.
Singh’s late start in athletics did not deter him. In 2000, at the age of 89, he made his debut at the London Marathon, capturing the world’s attention. Over the next decade, he participated in marathons across Toronto, New York, and Hong Kong, breaking age-group records and inspiring a generation of runners. According to NDTV, Singh credited his longevity and strength to a disciplined vegetarian diet and a life dedicated to physical activity and compassion.
Breaking Records and Shattering Stereotypes
Fauja Singh’s achievements were nothing short of extraordinary. At the age of 100, he set multiple world records in a single day at the Ontario Masters Association’s Fauja Singh Invitational in Toronto. He completed the 100 meters in 23.14 seconds, the 200 meters in 52.23 seconds, and the 3000 meters in 24 minutes and 52 seconds, among other milestones. Just days later, he became the first centenarian to complete a full marathon, finishing the Toronto Waterfront Marathon in 8 hours, 11 minutes. Despite his feats, the Los Angeles Times reported that Guinness World Records refused to recognize his accomplishments due to the lack of a birth certificate, a common issue for those born in pre-independence India.
Singh’s passion for running extended beyond personal records. As a torchbearer for the 2004 Athens Olympics and the 2012 London Olympics, he symbolized endurance and perseverance. His biographer, Khushwant Singh, recounted that running became a way for him to channel his grief and find purpose after losing his son Kuldip. “The villagers would tell his family to take him to the UK because he would sit for hours at the cremation ground,” Khushwant Singh told NDTV.
A Legacy of Compassion and Advocacy
Beyond his athletic prowess, Fauja Singh was a devout Sikh who lived by principles of humility, generosity, and justice. He used his platform to advocate for various causes, including animal rights, environmental sustainability, and social equality. As noted by PETA, Singh once said, “There are two noble things in life: one to do charity and [the] other to look after your body.” He starred in campaigns promoting vegetarianism and used his races to raise funds for charitable organizations.
Despite his global fame, Singh remained grounded, often attributing his success to his faith and community. He was honored with a letter from Queen Elizabeth II upon turning 100 and became the subject of a biography launched in the House of Lords. His humility and unwavering dedication to his values endeared him to fans worldwide.
The Tragic End of a Remarkable Journey
Fauja Singh retired from competitive running in 2013 after completing a 10-kilometer race in Hong Kong at the age of 101. Yet, he never abandoned his passion for staying active. Returning to India during the COVID-19 pandemic, Singh continued his daily walks in his home village, a routine that tragically ended in the fatal accident on July 15, 2025. His coach, Harmander Singh, expressed sorrow over the loss, noting that reckless driving in India posed a constant risk for pedestrians, especially the elderly.
As police continue their investigation into the hit-and-run, the world reflects on the life and legacy of a man who defied age and inspired countless others to pursue their passions, no matter the obstacles.
Fauja Singh’s life was a testament to the boundless potential of the human spirit. His story will continue to inspire generations to come, reminding us all of the power of resilience, compassion, and the pursuit of purpose.