The world is mourning the loss of a true icon of endurance and human spirit. Fauja Singh, widely regarded as the oldest marathon runner in the world, passed away at the age of 114 in a tragic hit-and-run accident in Punjab, India. His incredible life, marked by extraordinary achievements in athletics, inspired millions across the globe and shattered age-related stereotypes.
Fauja Singh began his marathon journey at the age of 89, after losing his wife and a son. What started as a coping mechanism quickly transformed into a remarkable second act of life. He went on to complete nine full marathons, including the London, New York, and Toronto races. His most iconic achievement came in 2011, when at the age of 100, he completed the Toronto Waterfront Marathon in just over 8 hours, becoming the first centenarian known to do so.
He was affectionately nicknamed the “Turbaned Tornado” due to his signature style and the powerful message he carried with every stride: age is no barrier. Though Guinness World Records could not officially recognize his feats due to a lack of verifiable birth documentation, his impact on global athletics and elderly empowerment was undisputed.
On July 14, 2025, Singh was crossing the road near his native village in Punjab when he was struck by a speeding car. The driver fled the scene, sparking outrage and calls for justice across India and beyond. Authorities have since identified the suspect, reportedly a non-resident Indian, who claimed he fled out of panic. He was later arrested and is currently under investigation.
Tributes have poured in from around the world. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi described him as an “extraordinary man who proved that with willpower, anything is possible.” Fitness communities, Sikh organizations, and runners everywhere are dedicating their runs and races to his memory.
Singh’s philosophy of clean living—abstaining from alcohol and smoking, following a vegetarian diet, and staying physically active—was central to his longevity. Even after retiring from competitive running in 2013 at the age of 101, he remained an ambassador for healthy living and mental resilience.
His story was featured in global campaigns, including Adidas’s “Impossible is Nothing,” and he carried the Olympic torch twice—in Athens (2004) and London (2012). His humble yet powerful life journey remains a beacon of hope and possibility for the elderly and the young alike.
Fauja Singh didn’t just run marathons; he ran into the hearts of millions. As the world bids farewell to this inspirational figure, his legacy of courage, discipline, and boundless energy lives on.