Arrest Made in Hit-and-Run Death of Fauja Singh, the Believed World's Oldest Marathon Runner

Fauja Singh, a celebrated 114-year-old marathon runner, died following a hit-and-run incident in Punjab, India. Police arrested Amritpal Singh Dhillon, the accused driver, after a speeding SUV struck Singh, who was known for setting marathon records. Singh's legacy includes being the first centenarian to complete a marathon and carrying the Olympic torch, although he was not officially recognized by Guinness World Records due to birth certificate issues.

Police in India have arrested a suspect tied to the hit-and-run death of Fauja Singh, recognized as the world's oldest marathon runner. The incident happened on Monday in Punjab, where Singh, aged 114, suffered critical injuries after being struck by an SUV driven by 26-year-old Amritpal Singh Dhillon. Following the collision, Singh was taken to the hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries shortly thereafter.

The collision occurred while Singh was walking near Beas Pind, his birthplace, close to Jalandhar. The authorities have since located a white SUV believed to be involved in the incident. An initial police report suggests that Singh's chances of survival could have improved if the driver had immediately transported him to medical care after the accident.

Fauja Singh achieved international recognition for his remarkable marathon feats, commencing his running journey at 89 and completing nine marathons between 2000 and 2013. He made history in 2011 as the first centenarian to finish a full marathon, achieving this milestone in Toronto, and later had the honor of carrying the Olympic torch during the 2012 London Olympics.

Despite his achievements, Guinness World Records did not officially recognize Singh as the oldest marathon runner due to the absence of a birth certificate from 1911. While his British passport confirmed this date, the organization required documentation from the year of birth, a stipulation that proved problematic given Singh's historical context.

Singh's journey to acclaim began under challenging circumstances. He faced ridicule in his youth for his physical limitations and was not introduced to sports or schooling until later in life. Following personal tragedies, including the loss of his wife and son, Singh relocated to London, where he discovered a passion for running, encouraged by a local running group and his coach, Harmander Singh.

His popularity surged in 2004 when he starred in Adidas's "Impossible is Nothing" campaign alongside other sports legends like Muhammad Ali. As his community memorializes him, upcoming events by his running club, Sikhs In The City, will celebrate his impactful life and legacy in east London, where he resided since 1992.