Fauja Singh is celebrated worldwide as the first centenarian to complete a full marathon, a milestone that redefined the limits of human endurance. At the remarkable age of 100, Singh triumphantly finished the Toronto Waterfront Marathon in 2011, clocking an impressive time of 8 hours, 11 minutes, and 6 seconds. This extraordinary achievement earned him a place in the Guinness World Book of Records, despite challenges in official documentation due to his birth in early 20th-century India when formal records were uncommon.
Affectionately known as the "Turbaned Tornado," Singh began his running journey late in life, using the sport to overcome personal loss. Starting to jog seriously at 89, he quickly became a symbol of perseverance and vitality, setting eight world records in various track events at an Ontario meet just before completing his historic marathon.
His inspiring feats captured global admiration, culminating in personal congratulations from Queen Elizabeth II and his selection as a torchbearer for the London 2012 Olympics. Retiring from competitive running at 101, Fauja Singh left an enduring legacy that continues to motivate athletes and non-athletes alike.
Singh passed away in 2025 at the age of 114, but his story remains a testament to the power of determination and the boundless spirit of human potential.