Fauja Singh, the world’s oldest marathon runner and an enduring symbol of Sikh resilience, passed away at the age of 114 in a tragic road accident near his ancestral village Bias Pind in Punjab. But his legacy lives far beyond a number or a finish line.
To Punjab, to the Sikh diaspora, and to people across the world—he wasn’t just a runner. He was a movement. A living metaphor for optimism, discipline, and spiritual endurance.
🕊️ A Legend Passes, But Not Quietly
On July 14, 2025, Singh was struck by a speeding vehicle during his morning walk. Even in his final days, he was active—leading walkathons against drug abuse, advocating clean living, and embodying Chardi Kala, the Sikh philosophy of eternal optimism.
His passing has left Punjab in mourning and the global Sikh community in deep reflection. Tributes have poured in from around the world, including heartfelt words from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who called him an “exceptional athlete with incredible determination” and “an inspiration for youth fitness.”
🏃♂️ Who Was Fauja Singh?
Born in 1911 in British India, Fauja Singh witnessed the transformation of the subcontinent through colonialism, Partition, and modernisation. For most of his life, he was a simple farmer. It wasn’t until his 80s—after personal loss—that he began to walk, then run.
At age 89, he ran his first marathon.
At age 100, he completed the Toronto Waterfront Marathon, becoming the oldest person to finish a full marathon. Guinness World Records declined to certify it due to lack of birth documents—but the world didn’t need paperwork to recognise his greatness.
🌍 A Global Icon, Rooted in Sikh Values
Fauja Singh competed on global stages—London, New York, Toronto, Hong Kong—not in senior citizen races, but in mainstream marathons. He refused commercial endorsements that conflicted with his values and donated most of his earnings to charity.
His signature white beard, folded hands at finish lines, and unwavering faith made him instantly recognisable. In a world struggling with identity, he redefined what Sikh representation could mean—quietly but powerfully.
“I run to feel closer to the One above,” he once said.
Every step, he believed, was a prayer.
💪 A Role Model for the Ages
Fauja Singh’s influence extended far beyond sport:
- 🏅 Inspired fellow centenarian sprinter Man Kaur
- 🧘♂️ Followed a simple vegetarian diet, daily meditation, and strict routine
- 🎖️ Honoured with the British Empire Medal and was an Olympic torchbearer in 2012
- 📖 Subject of the book The Turbaned Tornado by Khushwant Singh
- 🎬 Soon to be immortalised in the upcoming Bollywood biopic Fauja by Omung Kumar
He proved that age is not a barrier—it’s an invitation to keep moving forward, spiritually and physically.
📿 Legacy of Endurance and Grace
In the wake of his passing, Gurdwaras across the world—from Punjab to Canada, the UK to Kenya—held ardaas (prayers) in his memory. Social media is flooded with tributes from the younger generation, many calling him the “Grandfather of Endurance” or “Living Legend, Now Eternal.”
Villagers in Bias Pind remember him not just as a celebrity, but as a warm presence—ready with blessings, always ready to walk.
🎬 A Story Still Unfolding
Fauja Singh’s life is more relevant than ever in today’s world. It’s a story of:
- Grief transforming into purpose
- Faith translating into physical strength
- Silence speaking louder than speeches
With the upcoming biopic likely to gain new momentum, his story is poised to inspire future generations—not just to run, but to live with intent, humility, and grace.
🙏 Final Steps, Eternal Echoes
There’s a story he loved to share from a marathon in Hong Kong. When asked what he thinks about while running, he smiled and said:
“Waheguru. Every step is a prayer.”
Now, as Punjab mourns and the world reflects, those footsteps still echo—not because he was fast, but because he never stopped.
Rest in power, Fauja Singh Ji.
You ran your final race with the same dignity you lived every mile.
