Marathon legend Fauja Singh, 114, dies in Jalandhar hit-&-run-OxBig News Network

Legendary marathon runner Fauja Singh died in a road accident at his native Bias village near Adampur this evening. He was 114.

His family said he was out for a walk along the national highway near his house when he was hit by a vehicle. The vehicle owner sped after hitting him. He was rushed to a hospital where he breathed his last. Despite his age, Fauja Singh was maintaining good health and used to walk around with the support of a stick.

He used to attend almost every marathon event in the city. Although he no longer ran, he would cheer up athletes and flag off races. Youth, women and children used to request him for selfies and he would oblige everyone.

Considered the oldest marathon runner, Fauja Singh had started running at the age of 89 after his wife and son died in an accident. He took to running to overcome loneliness and depression. He eventually ran 18 marathons, starting from London in 2000.

After his last three marathons, Toronto (2011), London (2012) and Hong Kong (2013), he had announced his retirement. Despite continuing to take part in marathons till he was 102, he could not be registered as the oldest marathoner in Guinness Book of World Records as there was no document to validate his date of birth. Hoshiarpur-based writer Khushwant Singh had penned his biography “Turbaned Tornado”. A lean, tall, simple, vegetarian marathoner, he had also featured in PETA campaigns. He was also Adidas poster boy in their campaign “Impossible is nothing”. As a British Sikh, he participated in several charity events, raising funds for the care of premature babies, welfare of Sikh community and other causes.

Leaders from across parties, including Congress’ Pargat Singh and BJP’s Iqbal Singh Lalpur, have condoled his demise, terming him to be inspiration for younger generations.

Jalandhar (Rural) SSP Harvinder Singh Virk said, “We have lodged an FIR against an unidentified person. We are in the process of gathering CCTV footage from the area to nab the accused.”

Governor Gulab Chand Kataria mourned the death. “Deeply saddened by the passing of Sardar Fauja Singh ji, the legendary marathon runner and an enduring symbol of resilience and hope,” he said.