Iconic marathon runner Fauja Singh dies at 114 in road mishap

He was born on April 1, 1911, in Beyas village, Jalandhar.

According to a report in BBC Punjabi, a car hit him on the Jalandhar-Pathankot highway on Monday afternoon.

He suffered a serious head injury and was immediately rushed to a hospital.

However, he succumbed to the injuries at 7:30 pm IST on Monday.  

Singh's body has been kept in a mortuary till his children, who are living abroad, arrive. His last rites will be performed only after their arrival.

Lamenting his death, Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria in a Facebook post wrote: "Deeply saddened by the passing of Sardar Fauja Singh Ji, the legendary marathon runner and an enduring symbol of resilience and hope. Even at the age of 114, he continued to inspire generations with his strength and commitment."

"I had the honour of walking alongside him during the two-day ‘Nasha Mukt – Rangla Punjab' march from his village Beas, district Jalandhar in December 2024. Even then, his presence infused the movement with unparalleled energy and spirit."

"It is heartbreaking to learn that he lost his life today in a tragic road accident in his village. His legacy, however, will forever live on in the hearts of those fighting for a healthier, and drug-free Punjab. My heartfelt condolences to his family and admirers across the globe. May his soul attain eternal peace," he said.

FaujaSingh broke a number of world records in multiple age brackets, but none of his times were ratified as records. His personal best time for the London Marathon (2003) was 6 hours 2 minutes, and his marathon best, claimed for the 90-plus age bracket, was 5 hours 40 minutes at the alleged age of 92, at the 2003 Toronto Waterfront Marathon.