Fauja Singh, widely regarded as the world’s oldest marathon runner, has been killed in a hit-and-run accident.
He was 114 years old.
Singh sustained severe head injuries on Monday, July 14, when he was attempting to cross the street in his native village near Jalandhar in Punjab, India.
He was transported to a local hospital, where he later died.
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An investigation into Singh’s death has been opened, according to his son, Harvinder Singh.
“He was hit by a vehicle, and the driver ran away,” Harvinder told local media. “The police are conducting an investigation.”
Harvinder said his father’s “last rites” would take place in the next few days.
Fauja, nicknamed the Turbaned Tornado, became a mythic figure in the running world, completing his first marathon when he was 89 years old.
According to the Associated Press, Fauja took up running after his wife and son died in quick succession.
Fauja ran nine full marathons between 2000 and 2013, including one in Toronto when he was over 100 years old.
He ran his last race at the age of 101, a six-mile race in Hong Kong, where he finished in 1 hour, 32 minutes and 28 seconds.
Just last month, Fauja spoke to the BBC about how he managed to keep himself active and agile.
“I still go for walks around the village to keep my legs strong,” he said. “A person has to take care of his own body.”
In addition to his long-distance running accomplishments, Fauja was also a torchbearer at the 2004 and 2012 Summer Olympics in Athens and London, respectively.
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Sikhs in the City, Fauja’s running group, issued a statement about his death on Monday.
“Dearest runners. 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,” the statement read. “He succumbed to injuries caused by a vehicle accident while crossing the road close to his home.”
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi also paid tribute to Fauja in a post on social media.
“Fauja Singh Ji was extraordinary because of his unique persona and the manner in which he inspired the youth of India on a very important topic of fitness,” Mondi, 74, wrote via X. “He was an exceptional athlete with incredible determination. Pained by his passing away. My thoughts are with his family and countless admirers around the world.”
