Fauja Singh was hit by a car in his Indian hometown, ending a remarkable 114-year life of inspiration

Fauja Singh, the British Sikh runner hailed as the world’s oldest marathoner, has died in a road accident in India at the age of 114.

Singh, who inspired generations by completing marathons well past his 100th birthday, was hit by a car while crossing a road in Beas Pind, the village of his birth in Punjab. He suffered fatal injuries in the collision.

Confirmation of his death came from Sikhs In The City, the London-based running club and charity with which he had long been associated. Tributes have poured in from across the globe, hailing him as a “powerhouse of positivity” and “icon of humanity”.

Singh, who lived in Ilford from 1992, began his formal running career astonishingly late — at the age of 89 — completing the London Marathon in 2000 in just under seven hours. Despite suffering from weak legs in childhood and not walking until age five, he became a symbol of resilience and longevity.

In 2003, Singh recorded a personal best of 5 hours and 40 minutes at the Toronto Waterfront Marathon. Eight years later, he became the first recorded centenarian to run a full marathon. His extraordinary endurance earned him global attention and a place in sporting folklore.

He ran competitively until 2013, when he retired from races at the age of 102, following a final appearance in Hong Kong. Even after retiring, he remained an active presence at events, famously running across the Millennium Bridge on his 93rd birthday and carrying the Olympic torch during the London 2012 Games.

In addition to his running prowess, Singh credited his longevity to a humble diet of ginger curries, daily walks, and meditation.

His former coach, Harmander Singh, described him as “the personification of determination and grace”. He added, “Fauja defied the ageing process and gave hope to people around the world. His smile, his discipline, and his story will live on.”

Tributes from political and community leaders were swift. MP Preet Kaur Gill wrote:

“I had the honour of meeting him. A truly inspiring man. His discipline, simple living, and deep humility left a lasting mark on me. A reminder that age is just a number, but attitude is everything.”

Jas Athwal, the leader of Redbridge Council, called Singh “a global Sikh icon that inspired millions”.

Singh’s death comes just over a decade after his final competitive race, and years after he stunned the athletic world by rewriting expectations of age and ability.

Despite never officially holding a Guinness World Record — due to the lack of a verifiable birth certificate — Singh’s feats were never in question. His first official marathon time was nearly an hour faster than other runners of a similar age.

Throughout his remarkable journey, Singh remained deeply spiritual and grounded. “I am running for the joy of it,” he once said. “I want my story to say: it’s never too late to chase your dreams.”

He is survived by his extended family, a legion of fans, and a legacy that will endure across continents and generations.