On July 14, 2025, the world lost an inspiring figure, Fauja Singh, who passed away at the age of 114 in a tragic road accident in his native village, Beas Pind, Jalandhar, Punjab. Fauja Singh was no ordinary man. He was a British Sikh marathon runner, known as the "Turbaned Tornado." His life showed that age is just a number. He ran marathons well into his 100s, breaking records and inspiring millions. This article tells the story of Fauja Singh’s incredible journey, using simple words for Indian beginners to understand. His story is about courage, faith, and never giving up.
Early Life And Family
Fauja Singh was born on April 1, 1911, in Beas Pind, a small village in Punjab, British India. He was the youngest of four children. As a child, Fauja faced many challenges. His legs were weak and thin. He could not walk until he was five years old. Other children teased him and called him "danda," which means "stick" in Punjabi. This nickname hurt him, but it also made him strong inside. Fauja worked hard on his family’s farm. The hard work helped his body grow stronger. He learned to never let others’ words stop him. This lesson stayed with him his whole life.
Growing up in a Sikh family, Fauja learned important values. His parents taught him to work hard, stay honest, and help others. Sikhism also taught him to stay positive and trust in God. These values shaped Fauja’s life. Even as a young boy, he faced difficulties with a smile. He believed in himself, even when others doubted him. His mother often told him, “You know yourself. You know what you can do.” These words gave him strength. They helped him face challenges later in life.
Fauja Singh Age, Wikipedia, Biography, Wife, Son
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Fauja Singh |
| Birth Date | April 1, 1911 |
| Birth Place | Beas Pind, Jalandhar, Punjab, British India |
| Death Date | July 14, 2025 (aged 114) |
| Cause of Death | Tragic road accident in Beas Pind, Punjab |
| Nickname | Turbaned Tornado |
| Early Life | - Weak legs as a child, could not walk until age 5 - Nicknamed "danda" (stick) - Gained strength by working on family farm |
| Family | - Youngest of four children - Married with children - Lost wife in 1992 |
| Move to UK | Moved to the UK after wife’s death to live with his son |
| Start of Running | Began jogging at age 81 to combat loneliness and stay active |
| First Marathon | London Marathon, 2000 at age 89 Finished in 6 hours 54 minutes |
| Major Achievements | - World record at 2003 Toronto Waterfront Marathon (5h 40m, age 92) - First 100-year-old to complete a marathon (Toronto, 2011) - Set 8 world records in 2011 |
| Last Competitive Race | Hong Kong 10K in 2013 at age 101 Finished in 1h 32m 28s |
| Lifestyle | - Vegetarian diet - Avoided fried foods, smoking, alcohol - Drank water and ginger tea - Slept early, prayed daily |
| Sikh Values | Hard work, honesty, positivity, faith in God |
| Charity Work | Raised funds for Sikh cultural causes and premature baby charities |
| Running Group | Member of “Sikhs in the City” (East London) Ran in 2009 Edinburgh Marathon relay with the “Golden Oldies” |
| Fame | - Featured in Adidas “Nothing is Impossible” campaign - Subject of books: Turbaned Tornado (2011), Fauja Singh Keeps Going (children's book) |
| Challenges Faced | - Teased as a child for weak legs - Cultural hurdles due to turban and beard - Overcame personal loss and loneliness |
| Legacy | - Inspirational role model for active aging - Global icon of faith, positivity, and perseverance |
| Famous Quote | “Take care of your mind, body, and soul.” |
Start of Running
As Fauja grew older, he lived a simple life. He married and had children. He worked as a farmer in Punjab. Life was not always easy. He faced many hardships, including the loss of his wife in 1992. This was a sad time for Fauja. He felt lonely and lost. To fight this sadness, he moved to the United Kingdom to live with his son. There, Fauja discovered something new: running. At the age of 81, he started jogging to stay active. This small step changed his life forever.
First Marathon
Fauja’s love for running grew quickly. He started training every day. He ran 7 to 10 miles daily, even in his 80s. His body became stronger. His mind became sharper. Running gave him a new purpose. At 89, he ran his first marathon in London in 2000. A marathon is a race of 26.2 miles. Most people thought he was too old. But Fauja proved them wrong. He finished the race in 6 hours and 54 minutes. This was just the beginning of his amazing journey.
In 2003, Fauja ran the Toronto Waterfront Marathon. He was 92 years old. He finished the race in 5 hours and 40 minutes. This time was a world record for his age group. People called him the "Turbaned Tornado" because of his speed and his Sikh turban. Fauja became famous. Big companies like Adidas noticed him. They featured him in their “Nothing is Impossible” campaign. Fauja showed the world that age does not stop you from achieving big dreams.
Fauja’s biggest moment came in 2011. He was 100 years old. He ran the Toronto Waterfront Marathon again. This time, he finished in 8 hours, 11 minutes, and 6 seconds. He became the first 100-year-old to complete a marathon. The world cheered for him. He also set eight world records in one day at a special event in Canada. These records were for running distances like 100 meters, 200 meters, and 5,000 meters. No one over 100 had ever tried these races before. Fauja’s name was now in history books.
Challenges
Fauja’s success was not just about running. He faced many challenges in life. As a Sikh, he wore a turban and a beard. Some people did not understand his culture. They said hurtful things. But Fauja stayed strong. He believed in equality and kindness. He ran to raise money for charities. He helped groups that support Sikh culture. He also helped a charity for premature babies. Fauja said, “It is good for the oldest runner to run for the youngest people.” His heart was as strong as his legs.
What was Fauja’s secret to such a long and active life? He followed a simple lifestyle. He never smoked or drank alcohol. He ate a vegetarian diet. His meals included simple foods like phulka, dal, green vegetables, yogurt, and milk. He stayed away from fried foods like parathas or pakoras. He drank lots of water and tea with ginger. Fauja also took care of his mind. He went to bed early, praying to God. He said, “I don’t want negative thoughts in my mind.” Running the last six miles of a marathon, he talked to God. This kept him calm and focused.
Fauja was part of a running group called “Sikhs in the City.” This group was based in East London. They ran marathons around the world. They worked with people of different faiths. Together, they raised money for Fauja’s charities. In 2009, Fauja ran the Edinburgh Marathon relay with other Sikh runners. They were called the “Golden Oldies.” Their teamwork showed the power of community. Fauja’s group proved that anyone can achieve great things with support.
Last Competitive Race
In 2013, Fauja ran his last competitive race. It was a 10-kilometer run in Hong Kong. He was almost 102 years old. He finished in 1 hour, 32 minutes, and 28 seconds. After this, he decided to stop racing. But he never stopped running for fun. Even in his later years, Fauja cheered for other runners at marathons. He loved seeing others chase their dreams. His smile and energy inspired everyone around him.
Fauja’s story reached people through books. A biography called *Turbaned Tornado* was written by Khushwant Singh. It was released in 2011 in the UK’s House of Lords. Another book, *Fauja Singh Keeps Going*, was written for children by Simran Jeet Singh. It won many awards. These books shared Fauja’s message of courage and perseverance. They showed young readers that anyone can overcome challenges. The colorful pictures in the children’s book made Fauja’s story even more special.
Life Lessons
Fauja Singh’s life teaches us many lessons. He showed that it is never too late to start something new. He began running at 81 and became a world record holder. He faced bullying and loss but never gave up. His faith in God and his Sikh values kept him strong. He believed in helping others and staying positive. Fauja’s story reminds us to work hard, eat healthy, and believe in ourselves. He said, “Take care of your mind, body, and soul.” These words are a guide for a happy life.
Even after his death, Fauja Singh’s legacy lives on. People on platforms like X shared their sadness and respect when he passed away. One user called him a “Braveheart” who “redefined ageing.” Another said he embodied the “Punjabi spirit.” Fauja’s life touched hearts worldwide. He was a hero not just for Sikhs but for anyone who dreams big. His story encourages us to keep going, no matter the obstacles.
Fauja Singh was more than a marathon runner. He was a symbol of hope and strength. He showed that age, disability, or hate cannot stop a determined heart. From a weak-legged boy in Punjab to a world-famous runner, Fauja’s journey was extraordinary. His simple lifestyle, strong faith, and love for running made him special. As we remember Fauja Singh, let us follow his example. Let us run our own race in life, step by step, with courage and joy.