Fauja Singh, the remarkable Indian-born runner affectionately known as the “Turbaned Torpedo” and widely believed to be the world’s oldest marathoner, has tragically died at the age of 114 after being hit by a car.
Local Indian media reported that Singh suffered severe head injuries in a hit-and-run accident on Monday, July 14, 2025. The incident occurred in his native village near Jalandhar in Punjab, where he was crossing the road.
He was rushed to the hospital, where he later died from his injuries. His death was confirmed by Sikhs In The City, his London-based running club and charity.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to Singh, praising him as “extraordinary because of his unique persona and the manner in which he inspired the youth of India on a very important topic of fitness.”
Singh made history in 2011, becoming the oldest man to complete a full marathon at the age of 100 in Toronto. While an incredible feat, his accomplishment wasn’t officially recognized by Guinness World Records due to the absence of a birth certificate to definitively prove his age.
Although his British passport listed his date of birth as April 1, 1911, Indian government officials stated that birth records were not routinely kept in 1911.
A torchbearer for the 2012 London Olympics, Singh’s journey into running began at the age of 89. He took up the sport as a way to cope with profound depression following the rapid succession of his wife’s and son’s deaths in India.
The loss of his son, Kuldip, in 1994 was particularly horrific. Fauja and Kuldip, both farmers, were checking their fields during a storm when a piece of corrugated metal, blown by the wind, tragically decapitated Kuldip in front of his father’s eyes.
With his five other children having already emigrated, Singh was left utterly alone. His coach, Harmander Singh, recounted that after the traumatic incident, “He didn’t think his life was worth living without his son.”
He eventually moved to London to live with his youngest son. It was there, among the Sikh community’s sports enthusiasts, that Singh began attending tournaments and participating in sprints.
Encouraged by Sikh marathon runners, he delved into long-distance running. The first time he ever saw a marathon on television, he knew that’s what he wanted to do.
In 2000, at the age of 89, he ran his first London Marathon and went on to complete eight more. His personal best time was 5 hours and 40 minutes, achieved at the 2003 Toronto Marathon. Reflecting on his journey, Singh once said, “From a tragedy has come a lot of success and happiness.”
Singh’s last competitive race was in 2013, at the age of 101, when he finished the Hong Kong Marathon’s 10-kilometer (6.25-mile) race in 1 hour, 32 minutes, and 28 seconds.
Following his retirement from competitive racing, Singh expressed a desire to be remembered, hoping “people will remember me and not forget me.” He also wished for continued invitations to events, stating, “rather than forget me altogether just because I don’t run anymore.”
Prime Minister Modi concluded his tribute, stating, “He was an exceptional athlete with incredible determination. Pained by his passing away. My thoughts are with his family and countless admirers around the world.” / FROM THE WIRES