Fauja Singh, Legendary Marathon Runner, Dies at 114 in Accident

Fauja Singh, a renowned British marathon runner and believed to be the oldest athlete to complete a marathon, died at the age of 114 following a road accident in his birth village of Beas Pind, near Jalandhar in Punjab. Reports indicate that he was struck by a vehicle while attempting to cross the road on Monday.

His running club and charity, Sikhs In The City, based in London, confirmed his passing and announced that upcoming events in Ilford would serve as a celebration of his remarkable life and achievements. Singh, who had resided in Ilford since 1992, broke multiple records for marathon times across various age brackets, becoming an inspiration to many athletes by continuing to run marathons past the age of 100.

Born on April 1, 1911, in Punjab during British rule, Singh was the youngest of four children in a farming family. Despite facing physical challenges in his early years, including weak legs that delayed his ability to walk until the age of five, Singh’s journey into running began later in life. After the death of his wife, Gian Kaur, he moved to England with his son, where he discovered his passion for running at the age of 89.

Singh gained fame in 2000 when he completed his first marathon in London, finishing in six hours and 54 minutes, which set a record for the 90-plus age category by a significant margin. He continued to break records, achieving a personal best of five hours and 40 minutes at the 2003 Toronto Waterfront Marathon. On October 16, 2011, he is believed to have become the first centenarian to complete a marathon, a feat that, while celebrated, could not be officially recognized by Guinness World Records due to the absence of a birth certificate.

Singh’s remarkable story drew international attention, and he was honored as a torchbearer for the London 2012 Olympics. He officially retired from running at the age of 101, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire people around the globe.

Harmander Singh, his coach at Sikhs In The City, expressed his sorrow in a statement: “It is with great sadness that we can confirm our icon of humanity and powerhouse of positivity, Fauja Singh, has passed away in India. He succumbed to injuries caused by a vehicle accident while crossing the road close to his home.” The running club plans to dedicate all events leading up to the Fauja Singh Birthday Challenge on March 29, 2026, to honor his life and legacy.

Preet Kaur Gill, MP, shared her condolences on social media, saying, “Saddened to hear about the passing of Fauja Singh. I had the honour of meeting him. A truly inspiring man. His discipline, simple living, and deep humility left a lasting mark on me.” Similarly, Jas Athwal, another MP, called Singh a “legendary” figure and a global Sikh icon who inspired millions worldwide.

In lieu of flowers, donations are encouraged for the Fauja Singh Clubhouse Appeal, which aims to carry on his legacy by promoting fitness and positivity. Donations can be made at www.gofundme.com/f/fauja-singh-clubhouse-appeal. Singh’s life story serves as a reminder that resilience and determination can defy age, inspiring future generations to pursue their passions regardless of the obstacles they face.