BY VEENA RAO
Fauja Singh, the legendary runner who made global headlines as the first centenarian to complete a marathon, passed away earlier today at the age of 114 after being struck by a vehicle while crossing a road near his home village of Beas Pind, Jalandhar, in Punjab on July 14, 2025.
His story of resilience, faith, and determination not only inspired athletes around the world, but has left an indelible impact on Indian American families—especially through the acclaimed picture book Fauja Singh Keeps Going.
Born in 1911 in Punjab, India, Fauja Singh did not walk until he was five years old. Decades later, after immigrating to the United Kingdom in his 80s to live near his children, he took up running to stay active. What began as a hobby quickly turned into a historic athletic journey. With the support of coach Harmander Singh, he went on to set multiple world records for runners aged 100 and older. His signature yellow turban and radiant smile earned him the nickname “The Turbaned Tornado.”
In 2011, at the age of 100, Fauja Singh completed the Toronto Waterfront Marathon—making him the oldest person known to finish a marathon.
His extraordinary life story took on a new form in 2020 with the release of Fauja Singh Keeps Going, written by Indian American scholar and activist Simran Jeet Singh and illustrated by Baljinder Kaur. The book was praised for its celebration of Sikh identity, perseverance, and intergenerational courage.
In an earlier interview, author Simran Jeet Singh, who is also a runner and practicing Sikh, shared how deeply moved he was by Fauja Singh’s story. “When I saw Fauja Singh in an Adidas ad, running at 90-plus years old in his turban and beard, I saw someone who looked like my grandfather, someone who carried our traditions with pride. That moment planted the seed for the book.”
Singh eventually met Fauja Singh in person and found his warmth and humor just as powerful as his record-breaking achievements. Fauja Singh Keeps Going has since been featured on CNN, Today.com, and in classrooms and gurdwaras across the country.
The book has also been used as a teaching tool to discuss aging, perseverance, and cultural identity with children of all backgrounds.
“Fauja Singh gave us more than running records. He gave us a story to pass on—a story that says no matter your age, no matter your beginnings, you can rise,” said Singh.
As the Indian American community mourns his passing, many families will return to the pages of Fauja Singh Keeps Going—reading aloud his story once more, not just to remember him, but to inspire the next generation.
Fauja Singh is survived by his children and thousands of admirers across the globe. His legacy, now immortalized in books, medals, and memories, will keep going for years to come.
Simran Jeet Singh loves sports and signed up for his first marathon after being inspired by Fauja Singh — and like Fauja, he hasn’t stopped running since. Simran was born and raised in San Antonio, Texas, and now lives in New York City with his wife and two daughters.
