A BRITISH marathon legend has died after he was reportedly hit by a car in India.
Fauja Singh passed away at the age of 114 after he spent years making history – including becoming the world’s oldest marathon runner at the age of 101.
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The beloved athlete is still believed to be the oldest runner to ever complete a full marathon.
He tragically lost his life after he was smashed into by a car as he crossed the road in his home village of Beas Pind in Punjab on Monday, according to reports in India.
Singh – who had lived in Ilford since 1992 – broke onto the global running scene after he started to compete in marathons at the age of 89.
He continued to run up until he was 101 years old competitively.
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During those remarkable years he received a personal letter from Queen Elizabeth II, was honoured by the Guinness World Records and became a torchbearer for the London 2012 Olympics.
His London-based running club and worldwide charity, Sikhs In The City, confirmed his death today.
Touching tributes were led by Harmander Singh, Singh’s coach at the running club.
He announced: “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.
“He succumbed to injuries caused by a vehicle accident while crossing the road close to his home.
“In lieu of flowers please donate to his Clubhouse Appeal so we can carry on his legacy to encourage the world to keep fit and stay positive.”
The running club have planned several upcoming events in London to celebrate his life and achievements.
Singh’s legacy is made even more impressive due to him suffering from thin and weak legs which meant he was unable to walk until he was five years old.
After moving to London in the 90s he only took up running in 2000 after the death of his wife.
Aged 90, he ran the London Marathon in six hours and 54 minutes – beating the previous record for anyone over 90 by almost an hour.
Singh went on to compete in numerous marathons with his best ever finish being at the 2003 Toronto Waterfront Marathon.
It took him just five hours and 40 minutes.
When he hit 100, Singh showed no signs of slowing down as he attempted to become the first centenarian to run a marathon in 2011.
After finishing the race, Guinness World Records described it as an “inspirational achievement”.
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They were unfortunately unable to register it as an official record due to complications with Singh’s birth certificate.
He didn’t own the proper documents due to his upbringing in India during the early 1900s despite the date of birth on his passport being April 1 1911.
After running a few more events, he eventually retired from racing at the age of 101.
Other tributes have flooded in since his passing was confirmed.
MP Preet Kaur Gill said on X: “Saddened to hear about the passing of Fauja Singh.
“I had the honour of meeting him. A truly inspiring man. His discipline, simple living, and deep humility left a lasting mark on me.
“A reminder that age is just a number, but attitude is everything. Rest in power, legend.”
Fellow MP Jas Athwal MP added: “Deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Sardar Fauja Singh Ji.
“He was legendary – a man who continued running until he was 101. He was a global Sikh icon, that inspired millions across the world.
“His spirit and legacy of resilience will run on forever. My heartfelt condolences to all his family and friends. We will miss him. RIP.”
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