Beas, Punjab — July 14, 2025
Fauja Singh, the globally admired marathon runner known as The Turbaned Tornado, passed away at the age of 114 after being struck by an unidentified vehicle in his hometown of Beas, Punjab. He was rushed to a nearby hospital but later succumbed to his injuries. His passing marks the end of a remarkable journey that inspired millions and redefined the boundaries of age, strength, and human will.
Born on April 1, 1911, in British India, Singh lived through some of the most defining moments of the 20th century. However, it wasn’t until the age of 89 that he discovered his passion for running—initially to cope with personal loss and improve his health. What followed was an extraordinary chapter that saw him rise from quiet beginnings to become one of the most recognized faces in the world of long-distance running.
Over the next decade, Singh completed nine full marathons, including high-profile races in London, New York, Toronto, and Hong Kong. In 2011, he made international headlines by finishing the Toronto Waterfront Marathon at the age of 100, becoming the first known centenarian to do so. Though not officially recognized by the Guinness World Records due to missing documents, the world celebrated his feat as a groundbreaking milestone in sports and aging.
He officially retired from competitive running in 2013 at age 101 but remained a powerful figure in global conversations about wellness, aging, and purpose. He carried the Olympic torch in both the 2004 Athens and 2012 London Games and became the face of global campaigns alongside athletes like Muhammad Ali and David Beckham. His inspiring life story was captured in the biography The Turbaned Tornado by Khushwant Singh.
Fauja Singh was more than an athlete—he was a symbol of cultural pride, humility, and positive living. A devout vegetarian and advocate for clean living, he often ran to raise awareness and funds for causes like disaster relief, children’s hospitals, and cancer research. He believed deeply in the power of giving, service, and faith.
Fauja Singh once said, “I want my running to send a message to people around the world. Anything is possible if you think of others before yourself, and try hard.”
His journey from a small Punjabi village to global marathons and Olympic torch routes embodies that message with unmatched clarity.
As the world says goodbye to one of its most inspiring figures, we are reminded that legacy is not measured in medals or records—it is measured in the lives touched, the courage stirred, and the paths paved for those who come next.
Rest in peace, Fauja Singh.
Your stride was light, your will unshakable, and your story will run on—forever.
