Tributes have been paid to Fauja Singh, the London Marathon’s oldest-ever finisher, who has died at the age of 114.
Singh was 93 years old when he finished the 2004 London Marathon, having only taken up running seriously four years earlier in 2000.
He went on to run several more marathons and in 2011 became the first centenarian to finish a marathon when he completed the Toronto Marathon.
Singh’s running journey started in Ilford, east London, where he was a member of the local Sikhs In The City club. He was a torchbearer at the 2012 London Olympic Games and in 2018 was one of the inaugural recipients of the Spirit of the London Marathon Award.
Singh was born in the Punjab, India, and moved to Ilford in 1992. He returned to live in India where he was sadly killed on Monday (14 July) after being hit by a car while crossing a road close to his birth village Beas Pind, in the Jalandhar district.
Harmander Singh, Singh’s coach at Sikhs In The City, confirmed his death in a statement posted to the running club.
“Dearest runners. It is with great sadness that we can confirm our icon of humanity and powerhouse of positivity Fauja Singh has passed away in India. Aged 114 years old.
“He succumbed to injuries caused by a vehicle accident while crossing the road close to his home.
“His running club and charity Sikhs In The City will be devoting all of its events until the Fauja Singh Birthday Challenge on Sunday March 29 2026 to celebrate his life of success and achievements.
“We will be doubling the efforts to raise funds to building the Fauja Singh Clubhouse on the route in Ilford where he used to train.
“In lieu of flowers please donate to his Clubhouse Appeal so we can carry on his legacy to encourage the world to keep fit and stay positive.”
Nick Bitel, London Marathon Group CEO, said: “Fauja Singh was an incredible, inspirational human being who epitomised the Spirit of the London Marathon. Our thoughts are with his family and friends.”