Fauja Singh, the legendary British Sikh marathon runner, passed away on Monday at the age of 114 following a tragic road accident in Punjab’s Jalandhar district. Born in 1911 in Beas Pind, Singh became a symbol of endurance and quiet strength for generations, especially among British South Asians, who saw in him a reflection of resilience, migration, and purpose.
Sikhs confirmed his death in the City, the East London-based running club he helped shape into a global community. Singh had lived in Ifford since the early 1990s and was a familiar figure in the UK’s running scene. Often spotted training in his signature turban and tracksuit, waving to passersby with a gentle smile.
Singh’s journey into competitive running began at the age of 89, following personal tragedies that included the loss of his wife and son. Seeking solace, he turned to long-distance running not for fame, but for healing. His first marathon was in London in 2000, which he completed in 6 hours and 54 minutes, a time that stunned observers and set a new benchmark for runners in his age group.
Over the next decade, Singh ran nine full marathons, including events in Toronto, New York, and London. His personal best came in 2003 at the Toronto Waterfront Marathon, where he clocked 5 hours and 40 minutes. At 100, he completed the same marathon again, becoming the first centenarian believed to have finished a full marathon, though Guinness World Records declined to certify the feat due to lack of birth documentation.
For many in the British Asian community, Singh was more than an athlete. He was living a reminder that age, background, and circumstance need not define one’s potential. His story resonated with those navigating dual identities, balancing heritage with modernity. Tradition with ambition. Singh’s presence at events like the London 2012 Olympics, where he carried the torch, was a moment of pride for countless families who saw their own grandparents in his stride
He was also a vocal advocate for healthy living, vegetarianism, and mental well-being. In interviews, Singh credited his longevity to simple food, daily movement, and a joyful heart. “ I eat pinni every day, “ he once said, referring to the traditional Punjabi sweet made from ghee and dry fruits. “And I never let sadness stay too long.”
Singh’s impact extended beyond sport. He was featured in Adidas’s “Impossible is Nothing” campaign alongside icons like Muhammad Ali and David Beckham. He inspired books, documentaries, and countless social media tributes. His biography, Turbaned Tornado. It was launched at the House of Lords in 2011, cementing his place in British sporting history.
Despite his fame, Singh remained deeply humble. He often expressed regret that none of his medals were won for India, having become a British citizen later in life. “ People call me a British runner,” he once said. “ I didn’t like it at first. But I’ve lived here, run here, and been loved here.”
His final years were spent between Punjab and the UK, where he continued to walk, attend charity events, and encourage others to stay active. Even at 114, he joined community marches and posed for photos with young runners who saw him as a mentor.
The accident that claimed his life occurred while he was walking near his home village. Local authorities confirmed that Singh was struck by a vehicle and later died from his injuries at a nearby hospital. Investigations are ongoing.
Tributes have poured in from across the world. Sporting Equals, a UK-based organization promoting diversity in sport, called him “ a true icon of humanity.” MPs, athletes, and community leaders have shared memories of meeting Singh, describing him as “a powerhouse of positivity” and a “reminder that attitude is everything.”
For British South Asians, Fauja Singh’s legacy is deeply personal. He represented the possibility of reinvention, the strength of quiet perseverance, and the beauty of living with purpose. His story will continue to inspire not just runners, but anyone who believes in second chances.
