Fauja Singh, the world’s oldest marathon runner, passed away on July 14, 2025, at the age of 114, leaving behind a legacy that transcended age, borders, and human limitations. Struck by an unidentified vehicle while crossing the road near his home in Beas Pind, Punjab, the man known as the “Turbaned Tornado” succumbed to severe head injuries in a private hospital in Jalandhar. His death has left the global sporting community and millions of admirers in mourning, as they celebrate a life that redefined resilience, purpose, and the power of the human spirit.
A Journey Beyond the Finish Line
Born on April 1, 1911, in Beas Pind, Jalandhar, Fauja Singh’s life was a testament to overcoming adversity. As a child, his frail legs earned him the nickname “danda” (stick), as he couldn’t walk until age five. The Partition of India in 1947 disrupted his early passion for running, and personal tragedies—including the deaths of his wife in 1992, his eldest daughter, and his fifth son, Kuldip, in a tragic accident in 1994—could have broken him. Yet, at 89, Fauja turned to running to heal his grief, transforming personal loss into a global inspiration.
His first marathon, the London Marathon in 2000, marked the beginning of an extraordinary chapter. Completing it in 6 hours 54 minutes, Fauja, then 89, showed the world that age was no barrier. His personal best came in 2003 at the Toronto Waterfront Marathon, finishing in 5 hours 40 minutes at age 92, a record for the 90-plus age group. In 2011, at the age of 100, he set eight world records in a single day at the Ontario Masters Association Fauja Singh Invitational in Toronto, covering events from 100 meters to 5,000 meters. Three days later, he became the first centenarian to complete a marathon, finishing the Toronto Waterfront Marathon in 8 hours 11 minutes 6 seconds, though Guinness World Records could not verify his age due to the lack of a birth certificate.
A Symbol of Resilience and Indomitable Spirit
Fauja Singh’s achievements were not just about records but about defying expectations. “I run while talking to God,” he once said, explaining his endurance—a blend of physical discipline and spiritual strength. His vegetarian diet, positive mindset, and avoidance of tobacco and alcohol were key to his longevity, but it was his unyielding spirit that made him a global icon. He ran for charity, raising funds for premature babies and Sikh community welfare, and promoted Sikh culture with pride, often seen in his signature turban and beard.
His presence in campaigns alongside legends like David Beckham and Muhammad Ali, including Adidas’ “Impossible is Nothing” campaign, and his role as a torchbearer for the 2004 Athens and 2012 London Olympics, cemented his status as a cultural and athletic phenomenon. In 2012, Malaysia honored him with the BrandLaureate Award, and in 2013, at 102, he completed his final competitive race, a 10km run in Hong Kong, in 1 hour 32 minutes 28 seconds.
A Legacy That Inspires Generations
The news of Fauja’s tragic death sparked an outpouring of tributes. Prime Minister Narendra Modi called him an “exceptional athlete with incredible determination,” noting his ability to inspire youth on fitness. Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria, who walked with Fauja in the “Nasha Mukt, Rangla Punjab” march in December 2024, described him as a “symbol of resilience and hope” whose energy at 114 was unmatched. BJP leader Manjinder Singh Sirsa and former Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing his timeless inspiration.
Fauja’s London-based running club, Sikhs In The City, vowed to honor him by dedicating events until his birthday in March 2026 to his legacy, aiming to build a Fauja Singh Clubhouse on his training route in Ilford. “He was a global Sikh icon,” said MP Jas Athwal, while Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj, jathedar of Akal Takht, praised him for bringing honor to the Sikh identity.
Forever Unstoppable
Fauja Singh’s life was a masterclass in defying limitations. From a boy who couldn’t walk until five to a centenarian who ran marathons, he showed that the race of life is won not by speed but by perseverance. His story reminds us that purpose knows no age, and his legacy will continue to inspire generations to lace up their shoes and keep moving forward.
Fauja Singh’s life was a powerful narrative of resilience, proving that age is merely a number when fueled by an unyielding spirit. His passing marks the end of an era, but his legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.
“Turbaned Tornado is no more. But in the hearts of millions, Fauja Singh will forever run on.
Rest in power, Fauja Singh.
114 years young.
Forever unstoppable.
Hasnain Naqvi is a former member of the history faculty at St. Xavier’s College, Mumbai
