Fauja Singh, widely celebrated as the world’s oldest marathon runner, died on July 14 in his native village of Beas Pind, Punjab, India, after being struck by a vehicle, his family reported. He was believed to be 114, though the precise details of his age have long been debated.
Singh, whose official documents list his birthdate as April 1, 1911, spent much of his life in rural India before immigrating to the United Kingdom in the late twentieth century. Birth certificates were not commonly issued at the time and place of his birth, and although his passport and family supported the 1911 date, lack of independent records meant that his athletic feats were never officially recognized by organizations such as Guinness World Records.
Despite the lack of formal recognition, Singh captured global attention for his late-blooming career in distance running. He began competitive racing at the age of 89, following a move to London and the loss of his wife and son. Singh quickly gained a reputation for his stamina and gentle demeanor, regularly completing marathons well beyond standard retirement age. In 2011, he claimed to be the first centenarian to finish a marathon at the Toronto Waterfront Marathon. In total, he completed nine full marathons between 2000 and 2013, often running alongside much younger athletes and routinely finishing ahead of many.
Singh became something of a cultural icon in both India and the UK, carrying the Olympic torch twice and participating in global advertising campaigns. He was also active in philanthropy, frequently using his growing platform to raise money and awareness for charitable causes.
Singh leaves behind extended family in both England and India. His story inspired runners and non-runners alike, challenging ideas about aging and possibility. While questions about his precise age persisted throughout his running career, there was little debate about the enduring impact of his lifelong example of perseverance.
