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

Fauja Singh, the world-renowned centenarian marathon runner who inspired millions with his late-in-life athletic achievements, has died at the age of 114. Singh was reportedly killed in a hit-and-run incident on Monday, according to Indian police officials.

Born in rural Punjab, India, in April 1911, Singh lived through two world wars, the partition of India, and a century of global change. But it wasn’t until his late 80s that he gained international fame — not for his age, but for his astonishing endurance. After taking up long-distance running as a form of healing and meditation, Singh began entering competitive marathons, earning him the nickname “The Turbaned Tornado.”

In 2000, at the age of 89, he ran his first marathon. Over the next decade, he completed nine full marathons, including the London, Toronto, and New York City marathons. In 2011, just days after turning 100, Singh completed the Toronto Waterfront Marathon, though the run was not officially recognized by Guinness World Records due to lack of a birth certificate.

Singh was known not only for his physical achievements, but also for his humility, vegetarian diet, and strong Sikh faith. He often credited his longevity to “simple living, high thinking, and daily exercise.”

Though he formally retired from competitive running at 102, Singh remained active in community events and health campaigns, advocating for fitness among seniors and promoting intergenerational inspiration.

The details surrounding the hit-and-run incident remain under investigation. Authorities have not yet identified a suspect.

Tributes have poured in from around the globe. British and Indian sports figures, politicians, and admirers remembered Singh as a symbol of perseverance and human potential. “Fauja Singh didn’t just break records — he broke age stereotypes,” said one tribute shared on social media. “He showed the world that it’s never too late to start running toward your dreams.”

Singh is survived by his extended family and a global community of fans who saw in him a timeless symbol of endurance, dignity, and hope