World’s ‘oldest’ marathon runner, Fauja Singh, dies at 114 in hit-and-run crash

Fauja Singh, the British-Indian man believed to be the world’s oldest marathon runner, has died at the age of 114 after being hit by a car in Punjab, India.

Police say Singh was crossing a road in his birth village of Beas Pind near Jalandhar on Monday when he was struck by an unidentified vehicle.

Locals rushed him to the hospital, but he later died from his injuries.

Singh began running competitively at age 89 and ran nine full marathons between 2000 and 2013.

He earned international fame as the “Turbaned Tornado” and became a symbol of endurance and positivity.

His running club and charity, Sikhs In The City, confirmed his death and announced that upcoming events in Ilford, east London—where he had lived since 1992—would celebrate his life.

“It is with great sadness that we can confirm our icon of humanity and powerhouse of positivity Fauja Singh has passed away in India.

“We will be devoting all of its events until the Fauja Singh Birthday Challenge on Sunday 29 March 2026 to celebrate his life of success and achievements.

“We will be doubling the efforts to raise funds to building the Fauja Singh Clubhouse on the route in Ilford where he used to train,” the club said in a statement.

Tributes poured in from around the world.

Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi called Singh an “exceptional athlete with incredible determination.”

Coach Harmander Singh also confirmed his death and shared that Singh remained incredibly active even in his later years.

In 2003, at the Toronto Waterfront Marathon, he finished in five hours and 40 minutes—over an hour faster than before.

“I don’t remember my timings; it is my coach, Harmander Singh, who keeps the record of all my timings.

“But whatever I have achieved is all because of his training, and I sincerely followed his schedule.

“In London, he used to make me run uphill, and because of that, I kept on improving.

“Almost after every training session in London, I used to go to the gurdwara, where my diet was taken care of. Everyone there motivated me to run long distances,” he said.

Singh gained international attention when Adidas featured him in its 2004 “Impossible is Nothing” campaign, alongside Muhammad Ali.

In 2005, he was invited by Pakistan’s prime minister to run in the inaugural Lahore marathon.

The following year, Queen Elizabeth II invited him to Buckingham Palace.

Singh’s home in Punjab displays photos and awards, including one with the Queen.

He retired from long-distance running in 2013 after completing a 10km race in Hong Kong in 1 hour, 32 minutes, and 28 seconds.

“I was the same Fauja Singh before I entered the world of running — but running gave my life a mission and brought me global recognition,” he said.

He credited his longevity to a simple lifestyle: “Eating less, running more, and staying happy — that is the secret behind my longevity. This is my message to everyone.”

British MP Preet Kaur Gill said, “A truly inspiring man. His discipline, simple living, and deep humility left a lasting mark on me.”

MP Jas Athwal added, “His spirit and legacy of resilience will run on forever.”

Police say a search for the hit-and-run driver is ongoing.

“A search is under way, and the accused will be caught soon,” said Harvinder Singh, a senior police officer.

(BBC)