World’s Oldest Marathoner, Fauja Singh, Killed In Accident

MUMBAI (IANS) –Centenarian long-distance runner Fauja Singh, widely recognized as the world’s oldest marathon runner, has died at the age of 114 in a road accident at Beas Pind near Jalandhar in Punjab. Reports indicate the Indian-British Sikh marathon runner of Punjabi descent was hit by an unidentified vehicle while crossing the road in his native village.

An officer from the Jalandhar rural police informed the media that they were alerted about the accident by one of Fauja Singh’s relatives. “We have been told that he was hit by a vehicle while trying to cross the road. We have set up a team and are investigating,” said a police official, who suggested the vehicle that caused the accident was likely a car.

A global icon of strength and willpower, Fauja Singh inspired millions by continuing to run marathons well past 100. He took up marathon running late in life and reportedly completed over 100 marathons.

Born in undivided Punjab at Beas Pind near Jalandhar on April 1, 1911, Fauja Singh began running as a way to cope with grief after witnessing the death of his fifth son in a construction accident in 1994.

After emigrating to England in the 1990s, Fauja Singh started participating in international running competitions at the age of 89. Settled in Ilford with one of his sons, he soon gained worldwide renown, setting numerous records in the 90-plus age category.

Besides marathons, he would participate in many long-distance running disciplines in the Masters’ category. At the age of 100, he remarkably achieved eight world age group records in a single day at the special Ontario Masters Association Fauja Singh Invitational Meet, held at Birchmount Stadium in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

His biography, titled Turbaned Tornado, was formally released in the Attlee Room of Britain’s House of Lords on July 7, 2011.

He was also one of the torchbearers for the London Olympics in 2012 and was awarded the British Empire Medal (BEM) in the 2015 New Year Honours for his services to sport and charity.