By Sushant Agarwal
Published on | Jul 15, 2025
Fauja Singh began marathons at 89—an age most consider too late for new dreams. He turned grief into purpose, becoming a global icon of resilience.
Fauja lost his wife, daughter & youngest son in the '90s. Overwhelmed by sorrow, he moved to the UK, where he discovered running & his new life began.
What began as a coping mechanism turned into his passion. Fauja ran marathons in London, New York, and Hong Kong, inspiring the world with every step.
In 2012, he carried the Olympic torch in London. Queen Elizabeth II honoured him for his contribution to sport and charity.
Fauja couldn’t read but memorised numbers. He donated every rupee, loved pinnis and shakes—and trained with fierce discipline.
At 100, Fauja broke records in Toronto. Guinness didn’t certify them due to no birth certificate—but he ran for joy, not records.
When asked if he feared death, he said, “Yes, of course. The fun has only started.” Even at 112, he joined a run against drug abuse.
Fauja Singh died at 114 after a road accident in his village, but his spirit—true to his name—remains undaunted and immortal.