World’s Oldest Marathon Runner Dies at 114

Fauja Singh, the world’s oldest known marathon runner, has died at age 114 after being hit by a vehicle in India.

The Indian-born British citizen passed away on Monday, July 14, 2025, in his home village of Bias in Punjab’s Jalandhar district.

His longtime biographer, Khushwant Singh, confirmed the tragic news in a post on X. “My Turbaned Tornado is no more,” he wrote. “He was struck by an unidentified vehicle while crossing the road. Rest in peace, my dear Fauja.”

Known worldwide as the “Turbaned Tornado,” Fauja Singh began distance running at the age of 89. He took up the sport after losing his wife and one of his sons.

Watching a marathon on TV motivated him to start running. What started as therapy turned him into a global inspiration.

Though he had no formal birth certificate, his family said he was born on April 1, 1911. British colonial authorities rarely issued such documents at the time.

Fauja Singh amazed the world with his endurance and strength. At age 100, he completed full marathons.

His final competitive race came in 2013 at the Hong Kong Marathon, where he ran a 10-kilometre race in 1 hour, 32 minutes, and 28 seconds. He was 101 years old.

Because of missing documents, Guinness World Records never officially recognized him as the world’s oldest marathon runner. Still, millions celebrated him as a living legend.

He carried the Olympic torch in both Athens 2004 and London 2012. He also appeared in major ads alongside sports icons like David Beckham and Muhammad Ali.

His longevity was often linked to his clean lifestyle.

He walked daily on his farm, avoided processed food, and enjoyed a diet of curd, dry fruits, and traditional Indian sweets like laddu.

Tributes poured in following his death. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi posted: “Fauja Singh was extraordinary… He inspired the youth of India on fitness. Pained by his passing away. My thoughts are with his family and countless admirers.”

Fauja Singh’s story taught the world that it’s never too late to start over.

He proved that age is just a number and passion, discipline, and purpose can keep a man running long after most have stopped.

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