Fauja Singh, widely recognized as the world’s oldest marathon runner, tragically passed away at 114 in a road accident in Punjab, India, on July 14, 2025. Known as the “Turbaned Tornado,” his remarkable journey inspired millions globally, proving age is no barrier to determination and fitness.
Singh, an Indian-born British national, was struck by an unidentified vehicle while crossing a road in his native village, Beas Pind, near Jalandhar. He succumbed to severe head injuries in a private hospital, as confirmed by his family and biographer, Khushwant Singh. Born on April 1, 1911, Singh lacked a birth certificate due to the absence of official records in British-ruled India at the time, but his legacy as a centenarian athlete remains undisputed.
Taking up running at 89 after the loss of his wife and son, Singh completed his first marathon in London in 2000, finishing in 6 hours and 54 minutes. He ran nine full marathons, including a personal best of 5 hours and 40 minutes at the 2003 Toronto Waterfront Marathon. In 2011, at age 100, he became the first centenarian to complete a marathon in Toronto, clocking 8 hours and 11 minutes, though Guinness World Records could not verify his age. His final competitive race was a 10km event at the 2013 Hong Kong Marathon, completed at 101 in 1 hour, 32 minutes, and 28 seconds.
Singh’s vitality, credited to daily farm walks and a diet of laddu and curd, made him a global icon. He was a torchbearer for the 2004 Athens and 2012 London Olympics and featured in Adidas campaigns alongside David Beckham and Muhammad Ali. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi mourned his loss, praising his “incredible determination” and influence on youth fitness. Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria called him a “symbol of resilience,” noting his participation in the 2024 ‘Nasha Mukt – Rangla Punjab’ march.
Singh’s London-based running club, Sikhs In The City, plans to honor his legacy with events until March 2026, raising funds for a clubhouse in Ilford, where he lived since 1992. His life, marked by perseverance and humility, continues to inspire a healthier, more determined world.
