World’s oldest marathoner killed in hit-and-run

International

A MAN believed to be the oldest marathon runner in the world died at the age of 114 after a hit-and-run incident in India.

In a report by BBC, British-Indian Fauja Singh was hit by an unidentified vehicle in his birthplace in Punjab. . Locals rushed him to the hospital but unfortunately did not make it.

Singh was well known around the globe, setting marathon records in various age categories including when he was over 100-years-old.

Singh started running at the age of 89 and ran nine full marathons between 2000 and 2013, when he retired.

According to his running club and charity, Sikhs In The City, their upcoming events in Ilford, east London, where Singh have been living since 1992, would be a commemoration of Singh's life and achievements.

The hit-and-run incident happened on Monday at Singh's birth village, Beas Pind, near Jalandhar.

"A search is under way, and the accused will be caught soon," explained Harvinder Singh, a top district police officer.

Tributes flooded after the news of his death broke out.

An "exceptional athlete with incredible determination.” This is how Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi described Singh.

His coach at Sikhs In The City, Harmander Singh, confirmed the death of the centenarian in a statement posted to the running club.

"It is with great sadness that we can confirm our icon of humanity and powerhouse of positivity Fauja Singh has passed away in India.

"His running club and charity Sikhs In The City will be devoting all of its events until the Fauja Singh Birthday Challenge on Sunday 29 March 2026 to celebrate his life of success and achievements.

"We will be doubling the efforts to raise funds to building the Fauja Singh Clubhouse on the route in Ilford where he used to train,” the statement said. (Marlon Ado Jr., USC Comm Intern)