Turbaned Torpedo" Fauja Singh, World's Oldest Marathon Runner, Dies

Fauja Singh, an Indian-born runner known for his remarkable age, has passed away after being struck by a car. Local reports indicate he suffered severe head injuries in a hit-and-run incident while crossing a road near his village in Punjab, India. He was later pronounced dead at the hospital. His London-based running club and charity, Sikhs In The City, confirmed his death.

Mr. Singh, affectionately nicknamed the "Turbaned Torpedo," was celebrated for his extraordinary persona and his ability to inspire others. In 2011, at the age of 100, he became the oldest man to complete a full marathon, an achievement that, while not officially recognized by Guinness World Records due to a lack of verifiable birth documentation, remains a testament to his incredible physical prowess.

His journey into running began at the age of 89 as a means of coping with profound loss. He had been deeply affected by the deaths of his wife and son. The loss of his son, in particular, was a traumatic event. He witnessed a tragic accident that took his son's life.

After the tragedy, Mr. Singh relocated to London, where he found solace and community within the Sikh community. He was encouraged to take up long-distance running. He saw a marathon on television and decided to pursue the sport. He ran his first London Marathon in 2000 at the age of 89, and went on to complete eight more. His best marathon time was 5 hours and 40 minutes.

Mr. Singh's last competitive race was in 2013 at the Hong Kong Marathon, where he completed the 10-kilometer race at the age of 101. Following his retirement, he expressed a desire to be remembered and to remain connected to the community that had embraced him.