Britain’s Oldest Marathon Runner Dies in Road Accident, Aged 114

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Fauja Singh, Britain’s most celebrated centenarian runner, has died aged 114 after being struck by a car in IndiaSingh, who was widely regarded as the world’s oldest marathon runner, was hit while crossing the road in his native village in Punjab on Monday. Reports from India confirm he sustained fatal injuries during the mishap. His death marks the end of a life that inspired thousands, not only in Britain but across the globe.

A statement from his long-time London-based running club and charity, Sikhs In The City, paid tribute to Singh and said upcoming events in Ilford, east London, will now be held to celebrate his extraordinary life and legacy. 

Having lived in Ilford since 1992, Singh remained a prominent figure in the local community and often used his platform to support charitable causes and encourage physical fitness among older adults.

Born on April 1, 1911, in British-ruled Punjab, Singh was the youngest of four children in a farming household. As a child, he was considered frail and unable to walk properly until the age of five. Despite this unpromising start, he went on to defy the limits of age and physical capacity. After the loss of his wife, Singh moved to the United Kingdom to live with his son and only took up running at the age of 89.

Enduring Legacy

Within just a year, Singh stunned the world by completing the 2000 London Marathon in six hours and 54 minutes, setting a new record in the over-90s category. His time improved on the previous best by nearly an hour. In 2003, he recorded his personal best of five hours and 40 minutes at the Toronto Waterfront Marathon, again smashing expectations and capturing global media attention.

Although his records were widely celebrated, Guinness World Records declined to officially verify some of his achievements due to the lack of a birth certificate, something not uncommon for those born in early 20th-century India. Nonetheless, his age was accepted on official documents, including his passport, and Queen Elizabeth II personally acknowledged his centenary with a birthday letter.

The Olympic Games themselves recognised Singh’s impact on sport and culture. He was chosen as a torchbearer for the London 2012 Olympics. Singh officially retired from competitive running at 101, though he continued to participate in shorter charity runs and maintained an active lifestyle well into his later years.

Tributes have poured in from admirers around the world, particularly within the British Sikh community, where Singh was seen not just as an athlete but as a symbol of resilience, faith, and discipline. Speaking on behalf of Sikhs In The City, Harmander Singh, who trained with Fauja for over a decade, said: “Fauja’s story reminded the world that age is not a barrier. He showed us that it’s never too late to start something new and that you can do it with grace and humility.”

Fauja Singh’s funeral is expected to be held in India, though a memorial event is being planned in East London.