Who was Fauja Singh? All you need to know about 114-year-old 'Turbaned Tornado'

The world’s oldest marathon runner, Fauja Singh, died in a road accident at the age of 114.

A true legend in the world of endurance sports has passed away. British-Indian marathon runner Fauja Singh, popularly known as the “Turbaned Tornado”, died on 14 July 2025 at the age of 114 in a car accident in Jalandhar district of Punjab.

Known for redefining age and athletic ability, Fauja Singh was not just a sprinter; he was a symbol of perseverance, late start, and human spirit.

According to police reports, Singh was out for a routine morning walk near his ancestral village, Beas Pind, when he was struck by a speeding vehicle on the Jalandhar–Pathankot road. By the time he was taken to a nearby hospital, he had already died. His unexpected passing has caused a wave of sorrow to sweep through India, the UK, and the international sports community.

Fauja Singh’s story is unparalleled. He was born on April 1, 1911, in pre-independence Punjab. He also experienced two world wars, Partition, and over a century of social change.

Yet, he rose to prominence not in his youth but after the age of 89, when he ran his first marathon, a feat that made global headlines. Over the next decade, he would go on to complete some of the world’s toughest marathons, becoming the first centenarian to finish a full 42.195 km race.

A late start to a legendary career

Fauja Singh’s journey into athletics began as a form of emotional healing. After suffering personal tragedies, including the death of his wife and a son in the 1990s, he moved to London, where he began long-distance walking to cope. He took up running seriously and never looked back after being inspired by local gatherings and receiving coaching from Harmander Singh.

He officially began his marathon career in 2000 at the London Marathon, where he took 6 hours and 54 minutes.

While that was an impressive time for anyone who was a late entry to the race, it was even better for someone close to 90 years of age. Over the next few years, Singh managed to get marathons in London, Toronto, and New York, achieving several age-group records in the process.

Making history at 100

In October 2011, Fauja Singh ran the Toronto Waterfront Marathon, completing the full distance in 8 hours, 11 minutes, and 6 seconds, making him the first person to complete a marathon at age 100. Although the Guinness World Records claimed that he did not possess the required documentation to authenticate his record, the entire world celebrated his achievement without question.

He broke the marathon running record at the age of 92. During this time, he participated in the Toronto Waterfront Marathon and completed it in 5 hours and 40 minutes, which also set a record in his age group. Even after turning 100, he continued to run and was always active in community service.

The man behind the turban

Fauja Singh, who stood 5 feet 8 inches tall and weighed about 52 kg in his prime, was a noticeable presence in every race. He frequently ran with a calm smile on his face, a traditional turban, and a long, flowing white beard.

Singh followed a strict vegetarian diet and abstained from alcohol; he believed his longevity was due to simple living, spirituality, and regular exercise.

In addition to his famous running, he became renowned for his generosity, kindness, and humble attitude. He has used his fame to support several causes, from children’s hospitals to disaster relief. He is also involved with the UK-based running group Sikhs in the City.

Retirement and final years

Fauja Singh formally retired from competitive running in 2013, after completing the Hong Kong 10K race for the elderly at the age of 101. He continued to be active after retiring, frequently walking every day, supporting runners, and taking part in ceremonial events.

In his later years, Singh became a motivational speaker and was featured in advertising campaigns like Adidas’ “Impossible is Nothing” alongside global sports icons. He was also a torchbearer in the 2004 Athens Olympics and again in the 2012 London Olympics, where he received standing ovations.

A global outpouring of tributes

The news of his demise has prompted widespread tributes from world leaders, athletes, and fans across multiple continents. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences, calling Singh “extraordinary.” Athletes, including marathoners and Olympic runners, praised him as “the ultimate symbol of late bloomers and dreamers.”

The Punjab Governor and several Members of Parliament also paid tribute, with plans underway to organize a memorial run in his honor. The global Sikh community, in particular, has called him a “spiritual athlete who ran with his heart.”

Fauja Singh’s story was never limited to just records. It was about rewriting what the human body and spirit are capable of. His mantra, “I run to inspire, not to win”, continues to motivate athletes of all ages, especially seniors and late starters.

He showed that it’s never too late to begin again, that grief can be channeled into greatness, and that discipline, faith, and consistency can carry you across the toughest finish lines, even at 100 and beyond.

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