Fauja Singh Marathon Runner is Dead

In the span of just four remarkable days in 2011, Fauja Singh, a native of India residing in Greater London, stunned the world with a display of endurance and determination rarely witnessed in the world of athletics—particularly for someone claiming to be 100 years old at the time. His performances were nothing short of historic, and they forever redefined what it means to age with grace, power, and purpose.

On October 13 of that year, Singh took to the track in Toronto, Canada, where he participated in a series of events hosted by Ontario Masters Athletics. During the meet, he achieved a feat so extraordinary that it left onlookers in awe. Competing in the 95-plus age category, he broke eight world records in a single day. These records spanned a wide range of distances, from the explosive 100 meters to the endurance-testing 5,000 meters (approximately 3.1 miles).

Doug Smith, the co-chair of Ontario Masters Athletics, was present for the entire meet and later described Singh’s achievements as the most astonishing athletic performance he had ever witnessed. Despite his age, Singh was not simply walking or jogging; he was truly running. According to Smith, Singh moved with genuine effort, and at various points during his races, both feet were visibly off the ground—evidence that he was not merely shuffling but indeed sprinting.

Perhaps just as remarkable as his physical performance was the simplicity and humility with which Singh approached the day. In between events, he would rest casually, sitting down and sipping tea, as if preparing for nothing more than a leisurely stroll. This understated composure contrasted powerfully with the immense effort he exerted on the track, reinforcing the awe with which spectators viewed his actions.

Singh’s accomplishments at the track meet would have been enough to secure his legacy in the annals of sport, but he was not finished. Just three days later, on October 16, 2011, he took on an even greater challenge: the full marathon. At the Toronto Waterfront Marathon, Singh lined up alongside thousands of other runners to compete in the grueling 26.2-mile race—a distance that tests even the fittest of athletes.

What made this race truly historic was the fact that Singh became the first person believed to be 100 years old to complete a marathon. He finished the race in 8 hours, 25 minutes, and 16 seconds. His actual run time was slightly shorter—8 hours, 11 minutes, and 5 seconds—but the delay came from the 14 minutes it took him to cross the starting line due to the sheer volume of runners.

Throughout the marathon, Singh demonstrated not only incredible physical endurance but also mental resilience. Completing such a distance requires discipline, focus, and a strong will, and Singh seemed to embody all these traits as he moved steadily toward the finish line. His progress was deliberate, and his spirit never wavered, even as the hours stretched on.

His performance captured the hearts of spectators and fellow runners alike. Many who passed or ran alongside him were struck by his calm determination. They cheered him on, inspired not just by his age-defying stamina, but also by the deeper message his journey carried—that human potential often extends far beyond commonly accepted boundaries.

Singh’s story quickly spread across the globe. News outlets covered his marathon triumph, and fitness communities and aging advocates heralded him as a living testament to the idea that age should never be seen as a limitation. His courage challenged societal notions of aging and redefined what it means to live fully at any stage of life.

Though some skeptics questioned the exact accuracy of Singh’s age due to incomplete birth records—common for individuals born in rural India in the early 20th century—there was little doubt about the impact of his accomplishments. Whether he was exactly 100 or a few years younger, his achievements stood on their own merit, requiring no embellishment.

In interviews following the events, Singh often attributed his vitality to a simple lifestyle rooted in a vegetarian diet, daily exercise, and spiritual peace. He spoke humbly, often crediting his success to divine grace and the support of his family. For him, running was not about breaking records, but about expressing joy, finding balance, and staying connected to his roots.

Ultimately, Fauja Singh’s 2011 achievements remain a landmark in sports history. More than just a runner, he became a global symbol of perseverance, inspiring generations young and old to embrace movement, purpose, and the belief that it’s never too late to chase a goal—even one as demanding as a marathon.