Who is Fauja Singh?
Fauja Singh was a legendary British-Sikh marathon runner, famously known as the “Turbaned Tornado”. Born in 1911 in Punjab, India, and later settling in London, Fauja Singh defied all age-related expectations by becoming the world’s oldest marathon runner, completing full marathons well past the age of 100. Singh inspired millions across the globe with his incredible fitness, positive attitude, and dedication to a healthy lifestyle.
| Attribute | Details |
| Full Name | Fauja Singh |
| Nickname | Turbaned Tornado |
| Date of Birth | April 1, 1911 |
| Place of Birth | Beas Pind, Punjab, British India |
| Date of Death | July 14, 2025 |
| Age at Death | 114 years |
| Nationality | British (of Indian origin) |
| Profession | Marathon Runner, Charity Ambassador |
| Famous For | World’s oldest marathon runner |
| First Marathon | London Marathon, 2000 (age 89) |
| Retirement | 2013 after Hong Kong Marathon (age 102) |
| Awards | Ellis Island Medal of Honor, British Empire Medal |
| Residence | Ilford, London, UK & Beas Pind, Punjab, India |
Fauja Singh Early Life
Fauja Singh was born on April 1, 1911, in Beas Pind, a small village in Punjab, British India. During his early childhood, Fauja struggled with physical weakness and could not walk until the age of five. Locals often teased him by calling him “Danda” (stick) due to his thin frame. Despite these early difficulties, he led a simple farming life in Punjab.
He remained largely unknown to the world for most of his life, living peacefully as a farmer and raising his family. It was only after suffering personal tragedies later in life that Fauja Singh discovered his hidden talent for long-distance running.
Fauja Singh Family
Fauja Singh lived a traditional family life in Punjab. He was married to Gian Kaur, with whom he had several children. Unfortunately, he faced the loss of his wife in 1992 and one of his sons in 1994. These back-to-back tragedies deeply affected him, prompting him to relocate to Ilford, London, United Kingdom, where he lived with his surviving children.
Despite the losses, his family remained an important pillar in his life, always supporting his athletic journey.
| Relation | Name/Details |
| Wife | Gian Kaur (deceased, 1992) |
| Children | Multiple children (at least one son residing in the UK) |
| Siblings | Three elder siblings (all deceased) |
| Grandchildren | Several grandchildren (names not publicly disclosed) |
| Family Residence | Punjab, India and London, UK |
Fauja Singh Career: The Extraordinary Marathon Journey
Late Start to Running
Unlike professional athletes who begin young, Fauja Singh started running at the age of 89 after settling in the UK. He was inspired to run again after decades, mainly as a way to cope with grief. Encouraged by coach Harmander Singh, he began participating in running events around London.
Record-Breaking Feats
- At the age of 90, Fauja Singh completed his first London Marathon in 2000 in 6 hours and 54 minutes, setting a world-best time in his age group.
- In 2003, he completed the Toronto Waterfront Marathon in 5 hours and 40 minutes at age 92, a stunning achievement for someone of his age.
- His biggest milestone came in 2011, when he became the first centenarian to complete a full marathon (Toronto Waterfront Marathon) at the age of 100 years.
- Though Guinness World Records did not officially certify his record due to a lack of birth documentation from 1911 India, his achievement was celebrated globally.
- He continued running till 2013, officially retiring from competitive marathons after the Hong Kong Marathon at age 102 but remained active in shorter runs for charity.
Fauja Singh Social Media
Though Fauja Singh personally never used social media, his story has been widely celebrated by athletic clubs, charities, and sports organizations globally. The group “Sikhs in the City”, with whom Fauja trained, actively promoted his achievements online.
Fauja Singh Net Worth
| Category | Details |
| Estimated Net Worth | Modest (exact figures unknown; not commercially driven) |
| Income Sources | Marathon participation, small endorsements, charity runs |
| Endorsements | Adidas, various charity partnerships |
| Assets | Lived modestly; no known luxury assets |
| Primary Focus | Charity fundraising rather than personal wealth |
Fauja Singh Physical Appearance
| Attribute | Details |
| Height | 1.72 meters (5 feet 8 inches) |
| Weight | Approximately 53 kg |
| Distinctive Feature | Long white beard, colorful turban, athletic build |
| Health Habits | Strict vegetarian, teetotaler (no smoking or alcohol), daily exercise |
| Fitness Practice | Regular walking, running, balanced diet, positive thinking |
Interesting Facts about Fauja Singh
- Fauja Singh carried the Olympic torch during the London 2012 Olympics.
- He featured in an Adidas “Impossible is Nothing” campaign, inspiring millions worldwide.
- Singh became the face of elderly fitness activism, proving that age is no barrier to achievement.
- His life was immortalized in a children’s book titled Fauja Singh Keeps Going.
- He ran marathons in cities like London, New York, Toronto, and Hong Kong well into his 100s.
- He only began learning to read and write Punjabi at age 94.
Fauja Singh Death
Fauja Singh passed away on July 14, 2025, at the remarkable age of 114 years, after a road accident in Punjab, India. His passing was mourned globally, with tributes from world leaders, athletes, and fans who admired his determination, positivity, and lifelong commitment to fitness.
Legacy
Fauja Singh left behind an incredible legacy:
- He is remembered as a global symbol of perseverance, positivity, and healthy living.
- Through his running, Singh raised millions of pounds for various charitable causes, supporting children’s hospitals, disaster relief efforts, and community welfare projects.
- The “Sikhs in the City” running group continues to honor his legacy by promoting fitness across all age groups.
- Fauja Singh remains an inspirational figure, especially for the elderly, proving that “age is just a number”.
FAQs
Q1 Who was Fauja Singh?
Fauja Singh was a British-Sikh centenarian marathon runner, known as the world’s oldest marathon finisher.
Q2 When did Fauja Singh start running?
He began competitive running at the age of 89.
Q3 How many marathons did Fauja Singh complete?
Fauja Singh completed several full marathons, including in London, Toronto, and Hong Kong, running competitively until age 102.
Q4 Did Fauja Singh set any world records?
While not officially certified due to documentation, he is celebrated as the oldest person to complete a full marathon at age 100.
Q5 What was Fauja Singh’s diet?
He followed a simple vegetarian diet and avoided alcohol and tobacco, emphasizing physical activity and a positive mindset.
Q6 When did Fauja Singh die?
He died in July 2025 at the age of 114 in Punjab, India.
Q7 Did Fauja Singh earn wealth through running?
No, Fauja Singh lived a modest life, focusing mainly on charity and inspiration rather than personal wealth.
Read more biographies and success stories of business leaders, celebrities, healthcare professionals, etc. at Leader Biography.
