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

Fauja Singh, the legendary Indian-born marathoner famously known as the Turbaned Torpedo, has died at the age of 114 after being struck by a car in a tragic hit-and-run incident near Jalandhar, Punjab. The accident occurred on Monday as Singh was crossing the street in his hometown. He sustained severe brain injuries and later passed away at the hospital. His death was confirmed by Sikhs In The City, the London-based running club and charity he was closely associated with.

Singh was globally celebrated for becoming the oldest person to complete a full marathon. At age 100, he ran the Toronto Waterfront Marathon in 2011, earning him worldwide admiration—even though Guinness World Records could not officially recognize the feat due to the absence of a birth certificate. His British passport listed his birthdate as April 1, 1911, but official birth records from that year were not maintained in India.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute, describing Singh as “extraordinary because of his unique persona and the manner in which he inspired the youth of India on a very important topic of fitness.”

Singh’s journey into long-distance running began at the age of 89, following the heartbreaking loss of his wife and son. His son’s death in 1994 was particularly traumatic—Kuldip was fatally struck by a piece of corrugated metal during a storm while they were inspecting their farm.

Turning to running as a way to cope with grief, Singh completed his first marathon in London in 2000. Over the years, he ran a total of nine marathons, with his best time of 5 hours and 40 minutes set at the 2003 Toronto Marathon. In 2013, at the age of 101, he ran his final competitive race—a 10-kilometer event in Hong Kong—which he finished in 1 hour, 32 minutes, and 28 seconds.

Despite retiring from competitive racing, Singh remained active in the public eye and expressed a deep desire to continue being remembered and invited to events, saying, “I hope people will remember me and not forget me.”

Prime Minister Modi added, “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.”

Fauja Singh’s legacy as a symbol of resilience, longevity, and the power of perseverance will continue to inspire generations to come.