World’s Oldest Marathon Runner Fauja Singh Dies Aged 114 in Tragic Accident
Fauja Singh, the legendary British marathon runner hailed as the oldest person in the world to complete a marathon, has tragically died aged 114 after being struck by a car in his birth village of Beas Pind, Punjab, India.
Singh, who had lived in Ilford, east London since 1992, passed away on Monday, according to his longtime running club Sikhs In The City.
An Extraordinary Life of Endurance
Born in 1911, Singh didn’t learn to walk until the age of five due to weak legs. But defying all odds, he rose to global prominence by completing multiple marathons after the age of 89, capturing hearts around the world with his unbreakable spirit.
His first marathon was the London Marathon in 2000, which he completed in 6 hours and 54 minutes—nearly an hour faster than runners his age. His personal best came in Toronto in 2003, clocking in at 5 hours and 40 minutes.
In 2011, he became the first known centenarian to run a full marathon, once again in Toronto. A year later, at age 101, Singh served as a torchbearer for the London 2012 Olympic Games before formally retiring from competitive racing.
Tributes from Across the Globe
His coach and close friend Harmander Singh called him:
“An icon of humanity and a powerhouse of positivity… He taught us that age is no barrier to greatness.”
Sikhs In The City, the running club and charity he helped found, confirmed his death and announced that upcoming events would be dedicated to honouring his legacy. They have also launched a renewed push for the Fauja Singh Clubhouse Appeal in Ilford, located along the very roads where he once trained.
In a statement, the club said:
“Fauja’s life was a living testament to resilience, joy, and purpose. We will continue his mission to inspire people of all ages to move, to believe, and to thrive.”
A Lasting Legacy
In lieu of flowers, the club has asked supporters to donate to the Clubhouse Appeal, which aims to create a permanent hub for inclusive health and fitness programmes inspired by Singh’s ethos.
