Fauja Singh was the phoenix who rose from his ashes, startling and inspiring millions with the truth that it's never over when it feels over—it's simply time to start over. Fauja Singh was not just a runner—he was a rebirth in motion, a living reminder that life begins again the moment we refuse to give up. At 89, shattered by the loss of his wife and son, he laced up his shoes—not to chase medals, but to outrun despair. What began as a solitary stride of healing became a global call to courage. In his simple diet, daily walks, quiet prayers, and relentless training, he showed the world that greatness is not forged in youth but in perseverance. He ran with the weight of sorrow and emerged with the light of purpose, reminding us all that it's never too late to begin, never too old to dream, and never too broken to rise again. His story is not just inspiring—it is a call to action for anyone who has ever felt that their best days are behind them. Fauja Singh proved that the finish line is not an end, but a new beginning.
Fauja Singh, the legendary centenarian known worldwide as the “Turbaned Tornado,” passed away at the age of 114 on July 14, 2025, in a tragic hit-and-run accident in his native village of Beas, Punjab. A British citizen of Indian origin, Singh was celebrated not only for his athletic achievements but also for personifying resilience, humility, and hope. His remarkable journey—from a grief-stricken 89-year-old to a marathon icon—remains a powerful testament to the boundless potential of the human spirit.
Biography & Milestones
Born: April 1, 1911 (unverified due to absence of colonial-era birth records)
Nationality: Indian-born British citizen
Began Running: At age 89, following the deaths of his wife and son
First Marathon: London Marathon, 2000 (age 89)
Last Race: 10km event at the Hong Kong Marathon, 2013 (age 101)
Total Marathons Completed: 9 full marathons (42.2 km each)
Record Run: Toronto Waterfront Marathon, 2011 (age 100)
Finish Time: 8 hours, 11 minutes, 6 seconds (unofficial due to lack of verified documentation)
Olympic Torchbearer: Athens 2004, London 2012
Died: July 14, 2025, from head and rib injuries sustained in a road accident in Punjab
Why He Inspires Millions
1. Age is Not a Barrier—It’s a Benchmark
Fauja Singh defied conventional limits by launching his marathon career at an age when most have long retired from physical challenges. His late start in running redefined notions of aging and opened new conversations about vitality in old age.
2. Turning Trauma into Triumph
After the loss of his wife and son, Singh turned to running for healing and hope.
“Running showed me kindness and brought me back to life by making me forget all my traumas and sorrows.”
His story is a testament to how purpose-driven activity can be deeply therapeutic.
3. Faith, Simplicity, and Discipline
A devout Sikh, Singh attributed his longevity and strength to spiritual devotion, a humble vegetarian diet (curd, dry fruits, chapati, and ladoo), and a life of physical activity on his family farm. His routine emphasized the value of moderation, discipline, and faith.
4. Humility Amid Fame
Despite global recognition, Singh remained grounded. He refused endorsements from alcohol brands, participated in charity runs, and always prioritized purpose over publicity—emerging as a symbol of moral strength and dignity.
Global Recognition and Impact
Media Presence: Featured in Adidas ads alongside David Beckham and Muhammad Ali
Literary Legacy: Subject of Turbaned Tornado by Khushwant Singh
Public Speaking: Inspired seniors and youth worldwide with his life story
Royal Recognition: Received a letter from Queen Elizabeth II on his 100th birthday
Fauja Singh was extraordinary—an exceptional athlete with incredible determination who inspired the youth of India on the vital topic of fitness.
Lessons from Fauja Singh’s Life
Never Too Late to Start
Fauja Singh began his marathon journey at the age of 89, proving that dreams have no expiry date. His story is a powerful reminder that it's never too late to reinvent oneself or pursue new passions. Age, for him, was not a limitation—it was merely a milestone.
Resilience Over Circumstance
Singh’s entry into running was born out of personal tragedy—the loss of his wife and son. Instead of succumbing to grief, he channeled his sorrow into something transformative. His life illustrates how adversity can serve as a launching pad for greatness.
Health Through Simplicity
A life of clean eating, simple routines, and physical activity contributed to Singh’s exceptional health and longevity. His diet—consisting of curd, dry fruits, chapati, and homemade ladoo—combined with daily walks on his farm, underscores the profound power of consistency and natural living.
Live with Purpose
For Fauja Singh, running was never about records or fame. He ran for causes, for healing, and to inspire. His commitment to purposeful action demonstrates that fulfillment comes not from accolades but from aligning one’s actions with deeper meaning.
Stay Humble
Despite international fame, Singh remained grounded. He declined alcohol endorsements and consistently emphasized charity over commercialism. His humility in the face of global attention is a lasting lesson in how greatness is best carried with grace.
Fauja Singh’s passing marks the close of an extraordinary chapter, yet his legacy continues to illuminate the path for others. In a world obsessed with speed and youth, Singh’s life story teaches that strength lies in endurance, not haste; in values, not vanity.
He showed us that the human spirit—when rooted in discipline and guided by purpose—can overcome sorrow, defy expectations, and uplift countless lives.
Rest in peace, Turbaned Tornado.
Your footsteps will echo far beyond the finish lines you crossed.
Sources & Verification : BBC, DAWN, Geo News, CNN
World’s oldest marathon runner dies in a hit-and-run at 114
