Have you heard of Fauja Singh? The world’s oldest marathon runner who was still running marathons past 100 years old? Sadly, he passed away at the age of 105 after being hit by a car near his hometown Beas in the Indian state of Punjab. Yes, you read that right – 105 years old and still a marathoner! Fate was cruel. Fauja died in a hospital in Jalandhar from head and rib injuries. Police are still searching for the vehicle that hit him, and there is a witness to the accident. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to him, calling him an “exceptional athlete with incredible determination.”
Born in 1911 in India, Fauja only started running marathons at the age of 90! Yes, 90! He completed nine marathons and set his personal best in Toronto in 2011, finishing the marathon in 5 hours and 40 minutes. He became the first person over 100 years old to finish a marathon. His last race was in Hong Kong in 2013, and a year earlier he carried the torch at the London Olympics. Despite his incredible achievements, the Guinness World Records did not recognize his records due to lack of birth certificate documentation.
Fauja was proof that it’s never too late to start something new. After the death of his wife and son, he moved to London where he found solace in running. As he told CNN in an interview, running showed him kindness, brought him back to life, and made him forget all his traumas and sorrows. His story is an inspiration to all of us – never give up, no matter your age or obstacles.
But let’s be honest – how is it possible that Guinness World Records didn’t recognize his achievements? Because of paperwork? In the 21st century? That’s a real shame! Fauja was running marathons when many of us had long given up on any physical activity. His death is a huge loss to the sports world and to everyone who believes in the power of will and spirit.
If this story didn’t move you, maybe nothing will. Fauja Singh proved that age is no barrier to achieving dreams. And now, as we mourn him, we can only wonder – how many of us truly use our time and potential? Maybe it’s time for all of us to start running, even if just in our minds.
What about you? Have you ever run a marathon? Or at least tried? If not, maybe it’s time to get moving. And if you have, share your story in the comments – maybe you’ll inspire someone else not to give up! And remember, if Fauja could start running at 90, what’s your excuse?
In honor of Fauja Singh, the world’s oldest marathoner, who taught us it’s never too late to run and live a life full of passion.
