By Wilson Chowdhry
The world has lost a legend. Fauja Singh, the British-Indian centenarian runner affectionately dubbed the “Turbaned Tornado,” passed away at the age of 114 after a tragic hit-and-run accident in his ancestral village of Beas Pind, Punjab.
Fauja Singh wasn’t just a marathon runner—he was a phenomenon. A man who defied expectations, transformed grief into purpose, and inspired generations with his message of discipline, humility, and determination.
A Life Rewritten at 89
Most athletes are winding down their careers by their 40s. Fauja Singh hadn’t even started. After a life spent as a farmer, he took up running at 89 years old in an effort to overcome the deep grief of losing his wife and then his son in a tragic accident. It was in London, after meeting a group of elderly runners and his eventual coach Harmander Singh, that his marathon journey began.
And what a journey it was.
From his debut at the London Marathon in 2000—where he refused to run without his turban—to completing his final competitive race at age 102 in Hong Kong, Singh ran not only for himself, but for countless charitable causes. At 100, he famously completed the Toronto Marathon, becoming, by all accounts, the first centenarian to do so. Though Guinness World Records couldn’t verify his age due to a lack of a birth certificate from 1911, his British passport and a congratulatory letter from the Queen speak volumes.
Meeting a Legend
I had the honour of running alongside Fauja Singh at a Parkrun in Valentines Park on 31st March 2012. It’s a memory I cherish deeply. Despite his age, he radiated energy and encouragement, pushing those around him to keep going—not just in the run, but in life. Just weeks later, he completed what would be his final London Marathon at 101, clocking in at 7 hours and 49 minutes—beating his personal target by over 30 minutes and raising £1000 for charity.
His presence was always more than just inspirational—it was transformative. Seeing someone who had overcome so much run with such purpose was a moment of revelation.
A Legacy That Will Keep Running
Fauja Singh didn’t just run marathons—he redefined them. He became a torchbearer for the 2012 London Olympics, appeared in Adidas' iconic Impossible is Nothing campaign alongside Muhammad Ali, and was invited by Queen Elizabeth II to Buckingham Palace. He was even invited to participate in Pakistan’s first Lahore Marathon—a powerful gesture from a man whose life spanned the era of Partition.
He never chased fame. Instead, he used his visibility to raise funds for premature infants, disaster relief, and numerous community initiatives. His running club, Sikhs In The City, continues that mission today, and has vowed to dedicate all upcoming events—including the Fauja Singh Birthday Challenge in 2026—to celebrating his extraordinary life.
Plans are also underway to build the Fauja Singh Clubhouse in Ilford along his old training route—a fitting tribute to a man who brought so much pride to East London and beyond.
Lessons From the Turbaned Tornado
When the BBC last visited him in June 2025, he was still walking several miles a day. His secret? "Eat less, run more, and stay happy." It was a simple philosophy, but one that kept him healthy for over a century.
Fauja Singh reminded us that resilience is born not just from strength, but from faith, discipline, and community. That legacy will outlive any record or medal.
His passing marks the end of an era. But his spirit—unbreakable, humble, and full of hope—will run on forever.
Rest in peace, Fauja Singh. Thank you for showing the world that it’s never too late to start, and never too early to make a difference.