Fauja Singh, also known as the “Turbaned Tornado,” died in a tragic road accident near his birthplace in Punjab. Despite his global fame, his age was never officially recognized by Guinness World Records due to lack of documentation.
Fauja Singh, globally recognized as the world’s oldest marathon runner, has passed away at the age of 114 following a hit-and-run accident in Punjab, India.
The tragic incident occurred on Monday near Beas in Jalandhar district, Punjab, where Singh was walking along a road close to his birthplace. According to CNN, Singh was struck by an unidentified vehicle in a hit-and-run incident. The vehicle responsible for the accident is yet to be traced.
“We are reviewing CCTV footage to identify the vehicle. Our team is actively working on the case,” said Jalandhar Police Chief Harvinder Singh Bhirk in a statement to CNN.
After being hit, Singh was rushed in critical condition to Shreeman Hospital in Jalandhar, where doctors were unable to save him due to severe injuries to his head and chest.
Life and Legacy
Born in 1911 in rural India, Fauja Singh later moved to London, where he took up running after losing his wife and son at the age of 89. His determination and inspiring spirit earned him the nickname “Turbaned Tornado.”
Throughout his lifetime, Singh completed nine full marathons (26.2 miles). One of his most remarkable achievements came in 2003 during the Toronto Waterfront Marathon, where he finished in 5 hours and 40 minutes, setting a personal best.
In 2011, at the age of 100, Singh returned to Toronto and became the first person to complete a marathon after turning 100, finishing in 8 hours, 11 minutes, and 6 seconds.
His final official race was a 10-kilometer run in Hong Kong in 2013.
Recognition and Limitations
Despite his extraordinary accomplishments, Guinness World Records never formally acknowledged his age due to the absence of a birth certificate. Nevertheless, he received widespread acclaim, including a congratulatory message from Queen Elizabeth II on his 100th birthday.
This article was originally published on https://bajarkochirfar.com. Translated with the help of AI and reviewed by our editorial team.
