Fauja Singh, the renowned British-Indian endurance legend labeled the “Turbaned Torpedo,” has passed away at 114, suffering fatal head injuries after being hit by a hit-and-run driver close to his hometown in Beas Pind, Punjab, India on Monday, reports state.
🏃 A Legend that Blossoms Late
Singh only began wearing running shoes at 89, using the experience to cope with the sorrow of losing his wife and youngest son—who was sadly killed by debris during a storm.
In 2000, he completed his initial London Marathon in just under 6 hours and 54 minutes.
His peak was reached in 2003 at the Toronto Waterfront Marathon, completing it in an impressive 5 hours 40 minutes.
At 100 years old, Singh was celebrated as the oldest person to finish a full marathon at the 2011 Toronto Marathon, a claim unverified by Guinness due to a lack of a birth certificate—though supported by his British passport dated April 1, 1911.
🌍 Worldwide Motivation
Besides medals, Singh became a cultural symbol of strength.
He carried the Olympic torch for London 2012 and received recognition from Queen Elizabeth II.
His running group in London—Sikhs in the City—keeps honoring his legacy via charitable races and wellness programs.
Global leaders extended sincere sympathies, with India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi commending him as “remarkable” and an inspiring figure for young people and fitness.
🕯️ A Heartbreaking Last Chapter
Singh was strolling along a rural road near his home when an unknown vehicle struck him and sped off.
Authorities are continuing to look into the matter. He was taken quickly to a local hospital but did not endure the injuries.
His passing establishes him as the oldest documented victim of a hit-and-run, officially signifying the conclusion of a life that challenged time.
🧭 Inheritance of Endurance
Singh’s path—from a sorrowful widower to a marathoner at age 100—echoes through different generations. His streamlined diet, rigorous routine, and persistent determination conveyed a clear message: “Age is merely a figure,” he frequently remarked. In interviews, Singh attributed his inner strength to his faith and dialogues with God while running long distances.
With his club committing to ongoing memorial events in London, Singh’s narrative serves as a symbol of human capability, reminding everyone that determination can push the boundaries of age
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