Fauja Singh, known globally as the Turbaned Tornado, Running Baba, and the Sikh Superman, passed away on 14 July 2025 at the age of 114. He was hit by an unidentified vehicle while crossing the Jalandhar–Pathankot highway near his home village, Beas Pind, in Punjab. Despite being rushed to a private hospital in Jalandhar, he died from severe head injuries and broken ribs.
The vehicle involved in the accident fled the scene. Authorities are investigating.
A Remarkable Late Start
Born on 1 April 1911, Singh lived an ordinary life as a farmer before turning to running in his late 80s. He began his marathon career at the age of 89, making headlines when he completed the London Marathon in 2000. At a time when most people slow down, Fauja Singh began speeding up.
He became the first centenarian to complete a full marathon when he finished the Toronto Waterfront Marathon in 2011 at the age of 100. His completion time was 8 hours and 25 minutes. Earlier, at age 92, he had recorded a personal best of 5 hours and 40 minutes in the same event.
Though these records were not officially recognised by athletic bodies due to missing original birth documents, Singh’s achievements won him global admiration.
Personal Loss and Resilience
Singh’s life was not without pain. He lost his wife, one of his sons, and several other family members over the years. Deeply affected, he turned to running to find purpose and peace. What started as a coping mechanism became a global example of human endurance.
Before taking up competitive running, Singh had trouble walking properly until he was five and was considered physically weak. He was often mocked as a child. Later in life, he moved to Ilford in East London and began training seriously with a coach.
Olympic Flame and Global Applause
In 2012, he carried the Olympic Torch for the London Olympics, walking with pride and humility. He also featured in multiple international campaigns for fitness brands and became a role model for seniors worldwide. From Hong Kong to New York, his presence at major events brought attention to older athletes.
Singh officially retired from competitive running in 2013, after completing a 10-km run in Hong Kong at the age of 101. However, he continued to promote fitness and attended events well into his later years.
A Life Rooted in Simplicity
Fauja Singh followed a strict routine. He was a vegetarian, avoided processed foods, and never smoked or drank alcohol. His meals were simple: lentils, roti, curd, and fresh fruits. He began each day with long walks and remained active throughout his life.
He credited his health and endurance not to genetics or money, but to clean living, inner peace, and faith. He also never accepted prize money, choosing instead to run for causes close to his heart, such as children’s charities and disaster relief.
Tributes Pour In
Prime Minister Narendra Modi described Singh as an “extraordinary personality” who encouraged young people to stay fit. Former Punjab Governor Banwarilal Purohit called his passing a huge loss and praised his contribution to Indian sports.
Local villagers remembered him as humble and warm. Despite his global fame, Singh stayed grounded and often returned to his roots in Punjab.
A Legacy That Lives On
Fauja Singh’s story is not just about running. It is about resilience, hope, and proving that it is never too late to begin. Through countless miles, he left behind a message that still inspires: the human spirit can outrun age.
His nicknames- Turbaned Tornado, Running Baba, and Sikh Superman, reflect the love he earned across cultures. Even in his final moments, he was moving forward, just as he had always done.
India has lost a legend, but his journey will continue to inspire generations to lace up their shoes and never give up.
