World’s Oldest Marathon Runner Fauja Singh Dies at 114 in Punjab

Fuaja Singh, believed to be the oldest marathon runner in the world, died at the age of 114 years in a road accident in his native Beas village in Jalandhar, Punjab. The Indian born British citizen, Fauja Singh was 114 years old. Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoled the death of Fauja Singh.

Fauja Singh, who was nicknamed “ Turbaned Tornado”, took to running at the age of 89 years and set records in multiple age categories.

About Fauja Singh 

Fauja Singh was born in Beas village of Jalandhar on 1 April 1911. After the death of his wife in 1992, he migrated to London, England, at the age of 81 years to live with his eldest son, Sukhjinder Singh.

After the death of his fifth son, Kuldeep Singh, in 1994, he took to running to overcome his grief.

He was trained by Harmander Singh, whom he met in a Gurudwara in Ilford, London. At the age of 89 years, he started participating in professional marathons.

Professional Marathons Career of Fauja Singh

Fauja Singh, at the age of 89 years, made his debut in the London Marathon in 2000 and finished the race in six hours and 54 minutes.

• His running career lasted from 2000 to 2013, during which he completed nine marathon races. 
• Fauja Singh was the torch bearer of the 2012 London Summer Olympics Games. 
• In 2011, he became the first centenarian to complete a full marathon in Toronto.
• Fauja Singh became internationally known after Adidas signed him for their 2004 Impossible is Nothing advertising campaign along with famous boxer Muhammad Ali.
• He continued to compete in marathons well into his 100s and earned the nickname "Turbaned Tornado".
• He credited his longevity to a simple vegetarian diet and a simple lifestyle 

Social Services of Fauja Singh  

Fauja Singh was also known for his social service. Whatever he earned from endorsements and marathon races was donated to charities.

He was actively involved in the two-day ‘Nasha Mukt – Rangla Punjab’ march from his village, Beas, Jalandhar, in December 2024.

Autobiography of Fauja Singh 

• The Chandigarh-based writer Khushwant Singh wrote the autobiography of Fauja Singh titled ‘Turbaned Tornado’.