Fauja Singh, also known as the “Turbaned Tornado,” was an Indian-British marathon runner who amazed the world by starting his competitive running journey at the age of 89. He became the first centenarian to complete a full marathon, inspiring people of all ages with his discipline, faith, and never-give-up attitude. His story is not just about athletic achievements but also about resilience, spirituality, and pride in cultural identity.
Fauja Singh Wiki/Bio
| Field | Details |
| Full Name | Fauja Singh |
| Date of Birth | April 1, 1911 (claimed) |
| Date of Death | July 14, 2025 |
| Age at Death | 114 years (claimed) |
| Profession | Marathon Runner |
| Famous For | First centenarian marathon finisher |
| Hometown | Beas Pind, Jalandhar, Punjab, India |
| Nationality | Indian-British |
| Zodiac Sign | Aries |
| Fauja Singh |
Physical Details
| Attribute | Details |
| Height | 5’8″ (172 cm) |
| Weight | Approx. 52 kg |
| Eye Color | Brown |
| Hair Color | White (Silver) |
Early Life
Fauja Singh was born on April 1, 1911, in Beas Pind, a small village in Punjab. As a child, he had thin, weak legs and couldn’t walk properly until the age of five. Locals called him “danda” (stick). However, working on the family farm helped him gain strength. His simple rural diet—milk, yogurt, vegetables, and phulka—became key to his long life. Though he never received much formal education, his early life laid the foundation for a life of discipline and endurance.
Family Details
| Field | Details |
| Wife | Gian Kaur (d. 1992) |
| Children | 5 (including Harvinder, Kuldip) |
After the death of his wife and children (Kuldip) in the 1990s, Fauja moved to Ilford, England to live with his son Harvinder. These personal tragedies deeply impacted him, and running became a form of emotional healing and spiritual expression.
Career Highlights
Fauja Singh began competitive running at the age of 89, coached by Harmander Singh. His first major race was the 2000 London Marathon, where he broke the record for the 90+ age group.
| Milestone | Details |
| First Marathon | London Marathon, 2000 (6:54:00) |
| Fastest Marathon Time | Toronto 2003 (5:40:00 at age 92) |
| Centenarian Marathon | Toronto 2011 (8:11:06 at age 100) |
| Final Race | Hong Kong 10K, 2013 (1:32:28 at age 101) |
| Olympic Honor | Torchbearer at London Olympics 2012 |
| Awards | Ellis Island Medal (2003), British Empire Medal (2015) |
He also became the face of Adidas’s “Impossible is Nothing” campaign alongside David Beckham and Muhammad Ali, and raised funds for various causes including BLISS, a charity for premature babies.
Best Achievements
| Event | Year | Details |
| London Marathon | 2003 | Personal best in 90+ category (6:02:00) |
| Adidas Campaign | 2004 | Featured in global ad campaign for senior athletes |
| Age-Group Records | 2011 | Set 8 records in one day (100m to 5000m) |
| Toronto Marathon | 2011 | First centenarian to finish a full marathon |
Net Worth and Income
| Field | Details |
| Estimated Net Worth | Rs. 2–3 crore (as of 2025, estimated) |
| Income Sources | Endorsements, books, race appearances, charity |
Though he lived simply, Fauja’s income came from Adidas endorsements, his biography Turbaned Tornado, and international events. He donated a large portion to charities and Sikh organizations.
Controversies
- Guinness World Records did not verify his marathon record due to missing birth documentation from 1911.
- In 2011, the People’s Party of Punjab used his image for political purposes, leading to backlash from Sikh communities who believed he was being exploited.
Philosophy and Lifestyle
Fauja Singh credited his long life to:
- Vegetarian diet of dal, roti, dahi, and green vegetables.
- Avoiding fried foods and alcohol.
- Hydration, early bedtime, and daily prayer.
- Deep faith in God, saying, “I run while talking to God.”
He proudly carried his Sikh identity—wearing a turban and maintaining his beard—which earned him love and respect globally.
Recent Updates
- December 2024: He participated in the “Nasha Mukt – Rangla Punjab” march at age 114, showing incredible stamina.
- July 14, 2025: Fauja Singh passed away at age 114 after being hit by a vehicle in his hometown while walking. (Source)
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