World’s oldest marathon runner, Fauja Singh, is dead

Fauja Singh, widely believed to be the world’s oldest distance runner, has died at the age of 114 following a tragic road accident in India’s Punjab State.

Singh, famously known as the “Turbaned Tornado,” was struck by a vehicle on Monday in the Jalandhar district and passed away the following day, Tuesday.

Born in India and later becoming a British national, Fauja Singh rose to global fame for his incredible athletic achievements in old age. He began long-distance running in his 80s and continued participating in marathons well past the age of 100, inspiring millions around the world.

“My Turbaned Tornado is no more,” Fauja’s biographer Khushwant Singh wrote on X.

“He was struck by an unidentified vehicle… in his village, Bias, while crossing the road. Rest in peace, my dear Fauja.”

Indian-born British national Fauja Singh speaks to the media after crossing the finish line in the 10-km event as part of the Hong Kong Marathon on February 24, 2013.

Singh did not have a birth certificate but his family said he was born on April 1, 1911.

He ran full marathons (42 kilometre) till the age of 100.

His last race was a 10-kilometre (six-mile) event at the 2013 Hong Kong Marathon when 101, where he finished in one hour, 32 minutes and 28 seconds.

He became an international sensation after taking up distance running at the ripe old age of 89, after the death of his wife and one of his sons, inspired by seeing marathons on television.

Although widely regarded as the world’s oldest marathon runner, he was not certified by Guinness World Records as he could not prove his age, saying that birth certificates did not exist when he was born under British colonial rule in 2011.

(FILES) Indian-born British national Fauja Singh (C) waves a Hong Kong flag after crossing the finish line in the 10-km event as part of the Hong Kong Marathon on February 24, 2013. India’s Fauja Singh, believed to be the world’s oldest distance runner, has died in a road accident aged 114, his biographer said on July 15, 2025.

Singh was a torchbearer for the Olympics at Athens 2004 and London 2012, and appeared in advertisements with sports stars such as David Beckham and Muhammad Ali.

His strength and vitality were credited to a routine of farm walks and a diet including Indian sweet “laddu” packed with dry fruits and home-churned curd.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute on social media.

“Fauja Singh was extraordinary because of his unique persona and the manner in which he inspired the youth of India on a very important topic of fitness,” said Modi on X

“He was an exceptional athlete with incredible determination. Pained by his passing away. My thoughts are with his family and countless admirers around the world.”