Fauja Singh, recognized as the world's oldest marathon runner, was tragically killed in a hit-and-run incident in Punjab, India. Police have arrested the driver, Amritpal Singh Dhillon, and recovered the SUV involved. Singh’s remarkable life and legacy are celebrated despite challenges, including his unrecognized age by Guinness World Records due to missing documentation.
Tragic Hit-and-Run Claims Life of Fauja Singh, World's Oldest Marathon Runner
Tragic Hit-and-Run Claims Life of Fauja Singh, World's Oldest Marathon Runner
Police in India arrest the driver responsible for the hit-and-run death of 114-year-old Fauja Singh, whose extraordinary running achievements inspired many.
Police have arrested a man in connection with the hit-and-run death of Fauja Singh, who was revered as the world’s oldest marathon runner. The incident occurred in Punjab, India, when the accused, Amritpal Singh Dhillon, allegedly struck the 114-year-old with his speeding SUV while Singh was out for his afternoon walk. He succumbed to his injuries shortly after being transported to a local hospital.
The accident took place near Singh's birthplace in Beas Pind, not far from Jalandhar city, as he attempted to cross the road. A white SUV thought to be involved in the collision has been recovered by authorities. Reports indicate that Singh might have survived if Dhillon had taken him to the hospital immediately.
Fauja Singh gained international recognition for breaking benchmarks in marathon running, achieving the remarkable feat of completing nine marathons between 2000 and 2013, despite beginning his running career at the age of 89. Notably, he made history in 2011 as the first centenarian to finish a marathon in Toronto and famously carried the Olympic torch during the 2012 London Olympics.
While Singh's British passport documents suggest he was born on April 1, 1911, Guinness World Records has not officially recognized him as the oldest marathon runner due to a lack of documentation from his birth year. This issue is compounded by the historical context of India's birth registration practices at the time.
Singh’s legacy continues to resonate with many, as his running club and charity, Sikhs In The City, plans to honor his life and accomplishments in upcoming events in Ilford, where he resided since his move to the UK in 1992. Despite facing challenges during his early life, including mobility issues as a child and personal tragedies as an adult, Singh emerged as an inspirational figure, demonstrating resilience and determination.
He remarked on his humble beginnings, saying he had never heard the term "marathon" in his youth. His life took a significant turn after deep personal losses led him to start running with encouragement from a local running group. Singh's story captured the hearts of many, particularly after being featured in Adidas' "Impossible is Nothing" campaign alongside renowned athletes like Muhammad Ali.
The news of his untimely death has shocked many across the globe, impacting both the running community and those inspired by his remarkable journey.
