World’s Oldest Marathon Runner Fauja Singh Passed Away at 114 in Punjab.
Obituary
In July 2025, India’s celebrated marathon icon Fauja Singh, famously known as the “Turbaned Tornado”, passed away at the age of 114 in his native village Beas Pind in Jalandhar, Punjab. Born on April 1, 1911, in Beas Pind (then British India), he held the distinction of being the world’s oldest marathon runner.
- Fauja Singh began his professional marathon journey at the remarkable age of 89 in the year 2000. His debut marathon was held in London, United Kingdom (UK), where he finished the race in 6 hours and 54 minutes—setting a world record for his age group.
- In 2003, Singh achieved his personal best at the Toronto Waterfront Marathon in Canada, clocking a time of 5 hours, 40 minutes, and 4 seconds. This achievement earned him widespread recognition in international athletics circles.
Main Point :- (i) He made history in 2011 by becoming the first-ever centenarian (aged 100+) to complete a full marathon, also in Toronto, with a completion time of 8 hours and 11 minutes. This feat reinforced his legendary status in the global running community.
(ii) Between 2002 and 2012, over his 14-year running career, Fauja Singh completed 9 full marathons, demonstrating unmatched endurance, resilience, and spirit that inspired millions across generations.
(iii) In addition to his athletic achievements, Singh carried the Olympic Torch during the London 2012 Olympics, using his platform to promote charitable causes and positive values. His inspiring biography, Turbaned Tornado, was released in 2011, capturing his extraordinary life journey.
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