Fauja Singh has died after being hit by a car in India at the age of 114. The British-Indian, who trained in his adopted hometown of Ilford in east London, took up running at 89 years old and is believed to be the world’s oldest marathon runner, having completed the 26.2-mile distance beyond his 100th birthday.
Singh was crossing the road in his birth village of Beas Pind in Punjab, India, when an unidentified vehicle hit him before fleeing the scene, police say. The veteran runner, whose achievements made him a global hero, subsequently died in hospital.
His Ilford running club, Sikhs In The City, wrote in a Facebook post on Monday: “It is with great sadness that we can confirm our icon of humanity and powerhouse of positivity Fauja Singh has passed away in India. Aged 114 years old.
“He succumbed to injuries caused by a vehicle accident while crossing the road close to his home. His running club and charity Sikhs In The City will be devoting all of its events until the Fauja Singh Birthday Challenge on Sunday 29 March 2026 to celebrate his life of success and achievements. We will be doubling the efforts to raise funds to building the Fauja Singh Clubhouse on the route in Ilford where he used to train.”
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