Fauja Singh, the legendary marathon runner from Punjab and the United Kingdom, passed away at the age of 114 on Monday evening at a private hospital in Jalandhar. Singh reportedly died after being hit by an unidentified vehicle in his native village, Beas, earlier in the afternoon.

Indian author Khushwant Singh, who wrote The Turbaned Tornado—a biography of Fauja Singh—confirmed the news on social media. “My Turbaned Tornado is no more. It is with great sadness that I share the passing of my most revered Sardar Fauja Singh. He was struck by an unidentified vehicle around 3:30 PM today in Beas village while crossing near the river. Rest in peace, my dear Fauja,” he posted on platform X (formerly Twitter).

Punjab Governor and Chandigarh Administrator Gulab Chand Kataria also expressed his grief. “Deeply saddened by the passing of Sardar Fauja Singh Ji, the legendary marathon runner and symbol of resilience, at 114. He joined me in the ‘Nasha Mukt Rangla Punjab’ march with unmatched spirit. His legacy will continue to inspire a drug-free Punjab. Om Shanti,” Kataria posted on X.

Early Life

Born on April 1, 1911, in Beas Pind (village) in Punjab, Fauja Singh made his debut as a marathon runner at the extraordinary age of 89 in the year 2000. Renowned for his determination and strength, he earned the nickname The Turbaned Tornado. Over his lifetime, he ran nine full marathons, with his best timing recorded in Toronto—5 hours, 40 minutes, and 4 seconds.

Singh’s early life was marked by challenges. As a child, his family feared he might be physically disabled, as he couldn’t walk properly until the age of five. He took up farming to support his family and later moved to England in 1992 after the death of his wife, Gian Kaur, in Jalandhar. He eventually settled in East London with his son. Tragically, he also lost his fifth son, Kuldeep, in 1994.

He took up long-distance running as a way to cope with the emotional trauma of losing his wife, son, and daughter in quick succession.

Fauja Singh held world records in multiple age categories and, as of January 1, 2015, held five British running records. He was awarded the British Empire Medal for his outstanding athletic achievements and was one of the torchbearers for the London 2012 Olympics.

Singh completed his final competitive 26-mile marathon in Hong Kong in February 2013. He was also the oldest person to feature in a PETA campaign and appeared alongside global icons like David Beckham and Muhammad Ali in a commercial for a leading sports brand.

Fauja Singh’s life remains a testament to resilience, perseverance, and the enduring human spirit. He leaves behind a legacy that will inspire generations to come.

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