World’s Oldest Marathon Runner Fauja Singh Killed in Tragic Hit-and-Run
Fauja Singh, the world’s oldest marathon runner, has died at 114 in a hit-and-run accident. He was struck while on a routine morning walk. Singh was globally renowned for his marathon achievements in his 90s and 100s. Tributes highlight his inspirational legacy and call for justice for his death.
Ama Boah
World’s Oldest Marathon Runner, Fauja Singh, Dies in Hit-and-Run Accident
India — Fauja Singh, the legendary centenarian marathon runner celebrated worldwide for redefining the limits of human endurance, has tragically died following a hit-and-run accident. He was 114 years old.
Singh, often affectionately known as the “Turbaned Tornado,” rose to international fame in his late 80s and became the world’s oldest marathon runner when he completed the Toronto Waterfront Marathon at the age of 100. His inspirational story made him a beloved figure among runners, the elderly, and millions who admired his unwavering spirit.
The Incident
According to local authorities, Singh was struck by a vehicle while out for a morning walk near his home. The driver fled the scene, and an investigation is underway to identify and apprehend the suspect. Emergency services responded quickly, but Singh was pronounced dead on arrival at the hospital.
Witnesses say Singh was walking along a familiar route he had used for years. Community members are calling for improved safety measures for pedestrians in the area, especially for the elderly.
A Life that Inspired Generations
Born in 1911 in Punjab, India, Fauja Singh did not learn to walk until the age of five due to weak legs, but he went on to break records well into his centenarian years. He ran his first marathon at age 89 after moving to the UK and quickly became a global sensation.
Singh ran in marathons around the world, including London, New York, and Hong Kong, and set multiple age-group records. Beyond athletics, he was a symbol of positivity, healthy living, and resilience.
When he retired from competitive marathon running at 101, Singh continued to promote fitness, healthy eating, and the Sikh principles of compassion and charity. He often ran charity races to raise funds for various causes and was the face of major sports campaigns.
Tributes Pour In
Tributes have been flooding social media as the news of his tragic passing spreads. Prominent athletes, politicians, and community leaders have praised Singh for his extraordinary life. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi led nationwide tributes, calling Singh “an exceptional athlete with incredible determination.”
British long-distance runner Mo Farah tweeted, “Rest in peace Fauja Singh Ji. You showed us what is possible when we never give up. A true legend.”
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann also expressed condolences, saying, “Fauja Singh’s journey from our villages to the world’s biggest marathons will forever inspire generations to come.”
A Call for Justice
Police have appealed to the public for information about the hit-and-run. “We urge anyone with dashcam footage or who may have seen a suspicious vehicle in the area to come forward,” a spokesperson said.
Community groups are organizing a memorial run to honor Singh’s memory and to advocate for better pedestrian safety.
An Unbreakable Legacy
Fauja Singh’s story is a testament to the power of perseverance, faith, and an unyielding zest for life. His legacy will live on not just in the records he set, but in the countless people he inspired to lace up their shoes, regardless of age.
Source:
cnn.com
