Fauja Singh, believed to be the oldest person to complete a marathon, has died in a road accident in India at the age of 114. The athlete, who lived in Ilford, east London, was hit by a car while crossing a road in his birth village of Beas Pind, near Jalandhar in Punjab, on Monday.
His London-based running club and charity, Sikhs in the City, confirmed his death and said upcoming events in Ilford would celebrate his life and achievements. His coach, Harmander Singh, wrote on Facebook: “It is with great sadness that we can confirm our icon of humanity and powerhouse of positivity Fauja Singh has passed away in India. Aged 114 years old. He succumbed to injuries caused by a vehicle accident while crossing the road close to his home.”
Singh was born in Punjab, then under British rule, on 1 April 1911. He moved to England and settled in east London with his son after the death of his wife. He took up running in 2000 at the age of 89, completing his first marathon in London in six hours and 54 minutes, which beat the previous world best for the 90-plus age bracket by 58 minutes.
He ran numerous marathons, including the 2003 Toronto Waterfront Marathon in five hours and 40 minutes, his personal best. On 16 October 2011 in Toronto, he is thought to have become the first centenarian to run a marathon.
Labour MP Preet Kaur Gill said on X: “Saddened to hear about the passing of Fauja Singh. I had the honour of meeting him. A truly inspiring man. His discipline, simple living, and deep humility left a lasting mark on me. A reminder that age is just a number, but attitude is everything. Rest in power, legend.” Fellow Labour MP Jas Athwal, who represents Ilford South, said: “Deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Sardar Fauja Singh Ji. He was legendary – a man who continued running until he was 101. He was a global Sikh icon, that inspired millions across the world. His spirit and legacy of resilience will run on forever.”
