Fauja Singh, World's Oldest Marathon Runner, Tragically Dies at 114 in Hit-and-Run Accident

Fauja Singh, a celebrated figure known as the world's oldest marathon runner, passed away recently at the age of 114 following a hit-and-run incident in his native Punjab. Throughout his life, Singh broke records and inspired many after taking up running at the age of 89. Tributes pour in as events aim to honor his remarkable achievements and ongoing legacy.

Fauja Singh, a British-Indian man revered as the world's oldest marathon runner, has sadly passed away at the age of 114 following a hit-and-run incident in his birthplace of Beas Pind, Punjab. On the day of the accident, Singh was crossing a road when he was struck by an unidentified vehicle, prompting locals to rush him to the hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.

Singh, a global icon revered for shattering records across various age brackets, only took to running when he was 89 years old. Between 2000 and 2013, he completed nine full marathons before retiring. His running club, Sikhs In The City, announced plans to commemorate his life and contributions at their upcoming events in Ilford, east London, where he had resided since 1992.

The hit-and-run incident took place on Monday as the centenarian was out walking in his home village. Authorities have commenced a search for the vehicle involved, with police promising that the driver will be brought to justice. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences, remarking on Singh's "exceptional determination and athleticism."

Singh's coach from Sikhs In The City confirmed his passing, stating: "Our icon of humanity and powerhouse of positivity, Fauja Singh, has left us." The club plans to dedicate all events leading up to the Fauja Singh Birthday Challenge on March 29, 2026, to celebrate his legacy.

The BBC's previous meetings with Singh painted a picture of an agile, active man who walked several miles daily. He once shared, "A person has to take care of his own body," reflecting his philosophy of longevity. As a torchbearer for the 2012 London Olympics, Singh made history on multiple fronts, famously becoming the first centenarian to finish a full marathon in Toronto in 2011, though his title of "world's oldest marathon runner" was not officially recognized due to missing birth records.

Singh's beginnings were humble, marked by physical challenges. "Growing up, I was mocked for my weak legs," he recalled. He only embraced running to cope with grief after the deaths of loved ones, which led him to discover a community of runners in London. His marathon debut at the London Marathon in 2000 was just shy of his 89th birthday.

His continued achievement and dedication to distance running led to remarkable milestones, with his running career blossoming under the guidance of his coach. He gained international fame through endorsements, including a partnership with Adidas in 2004. Singh also received honors from Queen Elizabeth II, who invited him to visit Buckingham Palace, adding to a life filled with significant accomplishments and memories.

Despite stepping away from competitive races, Singh remained a beacon of inspiration. His simple mantra for longevity was "Eating less, running more, and staying happy." In recent years, Singh split his time between India and the UK, where he hoped to reunite with family. Tributes after his passing reflect the indelible impact he made throughout his extensive life, inspiring countless individuals with his resilience and spirit.