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By Alok
Fauja Singh, the legendary Sikh marathon runner known worldwide as the “Turbaned Tornado,” passed away recently at the remarkable age of 114. In his passing, the world has lost more than a runner — it has lost a symbol of defiance against age, grief, and limitation.
Born in 1911 in the small village of Beas Pind in Punjab, British India, Singh’s life was not marked by early signs of greatness. He was a frail child who didn’t walk until the age of five. Throughout his youth, he was underestimated, considered too weak to work in the fields or participate in traditional sports. But destiny had other plans.
It wasn’t until after he migrated to the UK in the late 1990s, following the devastating loss of his wife and son, that he discovered a new path — one paved by running shoes and defined by resilience. At the age of 89, while many of his peers were dealing with old age ailments, Singh began training as a long-distance runner.
In 2000, at 89 years old, Fauja Singh ran his first marathon. Over the next decade, he became the oldest marathoner the world had ever seen. His most iconic moment came in 2011 when, at 100 years old, he completed the Toronto Waterfront Marathon. Though Guinness World Records could not certify his record due to lack of a birth certificate, Singh had already etched his name into history.
Draped in his signature flowing white beard and vibrant turban, Fauja Singh was not just a runner — he was a movement. His athletic feats inspired global admiration. He ran marathons in London, New York, Toronto, and Hong Kong, often finishing ahead of men half his age. His best time for a marathon was 5 hours and 40 minutes — at age 92.
But Singh’s greatness extended far beyond the track. He was a beacon of hope for the elderly, a reminder that age need not dictate ambition. His humble personality and unwavering faith made him a global role model. A devout Sikh, he lived a disciplined, vegetarian life, abstaining from alcohol and smoking, and staying deeply spiritual. He would often say, “I run for peace, I run to inspire.”
His efforts were not just physical. Fauja Singh used his fame to raise funds for various charities, from children’s hospitals to disaster relief. He became the face of Adidas’ “Nothing is Impossible” campaign and appeared in the 2012 London Olympics torch relay.
Even after he stopped competing at age 101, he continued to walk regularly, attend public events, and motivate others to live actively and positively. In recognition of his contribution to sport and humanity, Singh received numerous honors, including medals from Sikh and Indian organizations, the British Empire Medal nomination, and most importantly, the love of millions across cultures.
Fauja Singh’s life was a masterclass in resilience — proof that the human spirit can outrun pain, loss, and time itself. His story reminds us that beginnings can come at any age, and the will to overcome can carry us to extraordinary heights.
As the world bids farewell to this remarkable soul, his footsteps echo far beyond the marathons he ran. They echo in the hearts of everyone who has ever doubted themselves, felt too old to try something new, or struggled to overcome loss.
Fauja Singh didn’t just run marathons.
He ran into history.
And now, he runs into eternity.
Rest in peace, Turbaned Tornado.
Your legacy will never tire.