Fauja Singh, the esteemed British-Indian marathon runner known for his astonishing feats at an age beyond most athletes, has sadly passed away at the age of 114 after a hit-and-run incident in his hometown of Beas Pind, Punjab, India. Singh was struck by an unknown vehicle while crossing a road. Despite the swift efforts of locals to rush him to the hospital, he succumbed to his injuries shortly thereafter.
A global icon, Singh defied age norms by starting his marathon career at 89, completing several full marathons and earning fame for his achievements in various age categories, including after he turned 100. His breakthrough in marathon running occurred in 2000 at the London Marathon, where he ran for the charity BLISS which supports premature infants, proudly sporting his turban despite initial restrictions against it.
Singh's tragic hit-and-run has spurred a search for the suspect, with local police stating they are working actively toward finding the responsible party. Upon hearing the news of his passing, tributes poured in, including a heartfelt acknowledgment from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who commended Singh as "an exceptional athlete with incredible determination".
His running club, Sikhs In The City, plans to honor his legacy through dedicated events leading up to the Fauja Singh Birthday Challenge on March 29, 2026. Harmander Singh, his longtime coach and confidant, voiced profound sadness about his passing, affirming Fauja Singh as an "icon of humanity and powerhouse of positivity."
Singh's story is one of resilience, having endured personal tragedies that fraught his earlier years. After losing his wife in the early 1990s and later suffering the loss of his son in a tragic accident, he sought solace through running, which eventually transformed his life and led him to global fame, even catching the attention of brands like Adidas.
Throughout his life, Fauja Singh became synonymous with the mantra "Eating less, running more, and staying happy," which he credited for his incredible health and longevity. His legacy as a role model to millions of aspiring runners and individuals worldwide will remain indelibly etched in memory.
