Redacción Fauja Singh, the world's oldest marathon runner, died after being hit by a vehicle.
He was 114 years old and was hit by a car that fled the scene in India. He had run marathons past the age of 100
The historic athlete Fauja Singh, considered the world's oldest marathon runner, died this Monday at the age of 114 after being hit by a vehicle in the state of Punjab, in northwestern India. The driver fled the scene and has not yet been identified.
Born in 1911 in a rural area of India, Singh was unable to walk until he was five years old due to weakness in his legs. Decades later, he became a global phenomenon in athletics. He began running marathons at the age of 89, after moving to the United Kingdom following the deaths of his wife and son.
A life marked by overcoming adversity
"Running gave me my life back," he confessed in an interview with CNN when he was 102 years old. Among his achievements, he completed nine marathons, including the Toronto marathon in 2003, where he achieved his best time: five hours and 40 minutes.
In 2011, at 100 years old, he returned to Toronto and became the first registered centenarian to complete a marathon: he crossed the finish line in eight hours, 11 minutes, and six seconds. A year later, he carried the Olympic torch at the London 2012 Games. His last race was in Hong Kong in 2013, a 10-kilometer (6.2-mile) course.
Tragedy and posthumous recognition
According to the rural police of Jalandhar, Singh was struck while walking along a road near his hometown, Beas. The accident was witnessed by a passerby, and the marathon runner was taken to Srimann Hospital, where he died from head and rib injuries.
Authorities reported that they are working to identify the vehicle through security cameras. "We've deployed investigation teams in the area," stated Superintendent Harvinder Singh Virk.
Despite his achievements, he was never officially included in the Guinness Book of Records because he did not have a birth certificate. However, he received a congratulatory letter from Queen Elizabeth II upon turning 100 years old.
India's Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, mourned the athlete's loss and described him as an "example of exceptional determination."
During his life, Singh cultivated an emotional bond with his running shoes: "I love them. I can't imagine my life without them," he said with a smile, even after turning 100. His story will remain etched as a symbol of strength, resilience, and love for sports.
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