Police in India have arrested a driver linked to the hit-and-run death of Fauja Singh, the world's oldest marathon runner, who made history despite personal tragedies. Singh's legacy continues as tributes pour in from around the globe.
Tragic Loss of Fauja Singh: The Journey of a Resilient Marathon Legend Ends in Hit-and-Run
Tragic Loss of Fauja Singh: The Journey of a Resilient Marathon Legend Ends in Hit-and-Run
The world mourns the loss of Fauja Singh, a 114-year-old marathon runner, whose life was tragically cut short in a hit-and-run incident in India.
Police in India have apprehended a driver connected to the tragic hit-and-run death of Fauja Singh, renowned as the world's oldest marathon runner. The individual, identified as Amritpal Singh Dhillon, was driving a speeding SUV when he struck the 114-year-old British-Indian icon during what was meant to be a casual afternoon stroll in Punjab.
Singh succumbed to critical injuries shortly after being rushed to the hospital, leaving a legacy that extended beyond running. He famously began his running career at the age of 89 and participated in nine full marathons, setting remarkable records across various age categories until his retirement in 2013.
Authorities recovered the white SUV allegedly used in the incident, which occurred near Singh's birthplace in Beas Pind, close to Jalandhar city. Witnesses reported that Singh was crossing the road when he was struck, and it was revealed by local media that the driver could have potentially saved Singh’s life had he transported him to the hospital immediately.
In 2011, Fauja Singh became the first person over the age of 100 to complete a marathon, demonstrating exceptional spirit and determination. Notably, he had also carried the Olympic torch during the 2012 London Olympics. Despite his achievements, he was unable to secure a Guinness World Record as the oldest marathon runner due to issues with official documentation reflecting his age, despite having a British passport confirming his birthdate as April 1, 1911.
His running club, Sikhs In The City, has confirmed that upcoming events in Ilford, where he resided since 1992, will honor Singh’s remarkable journey and contributions to athletics.
Singh's early years were marked by adversity, from being teased for his weak legs to never having attended school. He overcame immense personal loss—first losing his wife in the early '90s, then his son in an accident—to find solace through running, a passion he pursued after moving to London. Singh’s life took a pivotal turn when he met a group of older men at a gurdwara who inspired him to run, leading to a fruitful partnership with coach Harmander Singh.
Fauja Singh's narrative is a powerful reminder of resilience, courage, and the pursuit of dreams, even in the face of heart-wrenching challenges—an inspiration to many across the globe.
