Fauja Singh, the revered British Sikh marathon runner often celebrated as the “Turbaned Tornado,” has tragically died at the age of 114 after being struck by an unidentified vehicle in a hit-and-run accident in his native village of Beas Pind, Jalandhar, Punjab, India. The incident occurred on Monday, July 14, 2025, while Singh was reportedly crossing a road. He was rushed to a nearby hospital but succumbed to his injuries.
An Extraordinary Life Dedicated to Running
Born on April 1, 1911, in Beas village, Jalandhar, Punjab, Fauja Singh’s life was a testament to resilience and an inspiring defiance of age. Despite facing physical challenges in his early childhood, including not being able to walk until the age of five, he embraced a passion for running later in life. He worked as a farmer in Punjab before moving to East London in 1992 after the death of his wife.
Singh’s remarkable running journey began seriously in 2000, at the age of 89, when he competed in the London Marathon, completing it in 6 hours and 54 minutes. This achievement was 58 minutes faster than the previous world record for his senior age category. His dedication to the sport led him to run nine full marathons in a career that spanned 14 years, from 2000 to 2013. He became a global icon, serving as the face of Adidas’ “Impossible is Nothing” campaign alongside legends like Muhammad Ali and David Beckham.
Breaking Records and Inspiring Generations
Fauja Singh gained international fame for his incredible feats of endurance at an advanced age, becoming the oldest person to complete a full marathon at 100 years old. In 2011, at the age of 100, he set eight world age-group records in a single day at the Ontario Masters Association Fauja Singh Invitational Meet in Toronto. These records included impressive times for the 100, 200, 400, 800, 1500, and 5000 meters, as well as the mile. Just three days after setting these records, he became the first centenarian to complete a marathon, finishing the Toronto Waterfront Marathon.
His coach, Harmandar Singh, noted that Fauja Singh would train in all weather conditions and consistently supported charities worldwide. Singh’s celebrity status, with his distinctive white beard and bright orange Sikh turban, made him a favorite among marathon crowds. He was honored by Queen Elizabeth and was a torchbearer in the 2012 Olympic flame relay.
A Legacy of Resilience
Fauja Singh’s decision to embrace running later in life was partly motivated by personal loss, including the death of his wife and two of his children. He often stated that running was the best way to cope with emotional pain. His story of overcoming grief and physical limitations to achieve extraordinary athletic accomplishments inspired millions globally. Indian leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria, expressed their condolences, highlighting his legacy of resilience and hope.
The news of his death was confirmed by his London-based running club and charity, Sikhs In The City. Authorities have registered a First Information Report (FIR) and initiated an investigation into the hit-and-run incident to identify the vehicle and the person responsible.
