Fauja Singh, fondly known as the “Turbaned Tornado,” left an indelible mark on the world as the oldest marathon runner, inspiring millions with his resilience and zest for life. On July 14, 2025, the 114-year-old legend tragically passed away in a road accident in his native village, Beas Pind, Jalandhar, Punjab. Struck by an unidentified vehicle while crossing the road, his death has sparked grief across India and beyond. This article celebrates his extraordinary journey, his contributions to fitness, and the legacy he leaves behind.
A Life of Resilience
Born on April 1, 1911, in Beas Pind, Fauja Singh was the youngest of four siblings in a farming family. His early years were marked by physical challenges, as he could not walk until the age of five due to weak legs. Yet, this did not deter him. Singh worked as a farmer in Punjab until personal tragedies reshaped his life. The loss of his wife, Gian Kaur, in 1992, and his son, Kuldip, in 1994, prompted him to move to East London, where he discovered running as a way to cope with grief.
The Marathon Journey Begins
Fauja Singh’s running career began at the remarkable age of 89, a testament to his belief that age is no barrier. In 2000, under the guidance of coach Harmander Singh, he competed in his first London Marathon, finishing in 6 hours and 54 minutes, breaking the senior age category record by 58 minutes. His passion for running grew, leading him to participate in marathons in London, New York, Toronto, and Mumbai. In 2011, at 100, he became the first centenarian to complete a full marathon, a feat that, though not recognized by Guinness World Records due to the lack of a birth certificate, cemented his global fame.
The Turbaned Tornado’s Achievements
Nicknamed the “Turbaned Tornado,” Singh’s accomplishments were extraordinary. At the 2003 Toronto Waterfront Marathon, he set a personal best of 5 hours and 40 minutes in the over-90 category. In 2011, at the Ontario Masters Association Fauja Singh Invitational Meet in Toronto, he broke eight world age-group records in a single day. He carried the Olympic torch in Athens (2004) and London (2012), sharing the stage with icons like David Beckham. His final race was the 2013 Hong Kong Marathon, a 10-km event completed at 101 in 1 hour, 32 minutes, and 28 seconds.
A Symbol of Fitness and Inspiration
Fauja Singh’s life was a beacon of hope and determination. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a heartfelt tribute, described him as an “exceptional athlete” who inspired India’s youth to embrace fitness. His simple lifestyle—marked by a vegetarian diet, farm walks, and traditional foods like laddus packed with dry fruits and home-churned curd—kept him vibrant. Even at 114, he participated in a march for a drug-free Punjab, showcasing his commitment to social causes.
A Tragic End and a Lasting Legacy
On the evening of July 14, 2025, Fauja Singh was struck by an unidentified vehicle in a hit-and-run incident on the Jalandhar-Pathankot highway. Despite being rushed to a hospital, he succumbed to his injuries. The police are investigating, but the driver remains at large. Tributes have poured in from leaders like Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, who lauded Singh’s pride in the Sikh community, and Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria, who called him a symbol of resilience.
Singh’s London-based running club, Sikhs In The City, plans to honor him by dedicating events until his birthday challenge in March 2026 and building a clubhouse in Ilford, where he trained. His biographer, Khushwant Singh, author of The Turbaned Tornado, mourned the loss of a man who lived with clarity and humility, donating offerings he received to charity.
A Global Icon Remembered
Fauja Singh’s story transcends borders. From a grieving father to a global icon, he proved that determination can defy time. His love for pinnis and the occasional strawberry shake from McDonald’s reflected his simple joys, while his marathon feats inspired generations to pursue health and perseverance. As India and the world mourn his loss, Fauja Singh’s legacy as the Turbaned Tornado will continue to motivate millions to run their own race, no matter the odds.
Last Updated on: Tuesday, July 15, 2025 2:38 pm by Sri Hari Priya Rayaprolu | Published by: Sri Hari Priya Rayaprolu on Tuesday, July 15, 2025 2:38 pm | News Categories: News, India, Latest, Trending
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