Fauja Singh, World’s Oldest Marathon Runner, Dies at 114 in Tragic Hit-and-Run

In a heartbreaking turn of events, Fauja Singh, widely regarded as the world’s oldest marathon runner, passed away at the remarkable age of 114 after a tragic hit-and-run incident in India. The accident occurred on Monday near his native village in Punjab, where Singh suffered severe head injuries while crossing a road. Despite medical efforts, he succumbed to his injuries, leaving behind a legacy that inspired countless individuals worldwide.

Singh’s journey into running began at the age of 89, a response to profound personal loss. Having endured the tragic deaths of his wife and son—the latter in a horrific farming accident in 1994—Singh turned to running as a way to combat depression. After relocating to London to live with family, he discovered a passion that would define the latter part of his life. From tragedy, he carved a path of triumph, as he once reflected after completing the London Marathon in 2000.

His achievements on the track were nothing short of extraordinary. Singh’s best marathon finish came in 2003 at Toronto, clocking an impressive 5 hours and 40 minutes. At 100 years old, he made history by completing a full marathon in 2011, though official recognition by Guinness World Records eluded him due to the absence of a birth certificate. Still, his spirit and determination were undeniable, earning him admiration across the globe.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to Singh, calling him an exceptional athlete whose dedication to fitness inspired the youth of India. Tributes have flooded social media, with Singh’s London-based running club, Sikhs In The City, vowing to honor his legacy at future events. Meanwhile, local authorities continue their search for the driver responsible for this tragic accident.

Fauja Singh’s life reminds us that resilience knows no age limit. His story is not just about running; it’s about running toward hope, even when the road is steep. The world has lost a true icon, but his strides will echo for generations.