Driver held for hit-and-run death of world's 'oldest' marathon runner

 

Police in India have arrested a 26-year-old man named Amritpal Singh Dhillon in connection with the hit-and-run death of Fauja Singh, the world's oldest marathon runner, aged 114. The incident occurred on Monday in Punjab, near Singh’s birth village of Beas Pind, close to Jalandhar city. Authorities say Singh was out on his regular afternoon walk when he was struck by a speeding white SUV allegedly driven by Dhillon. Singh suffered severe injuries and died shortly after being taken to hospital by local residents. The accused fled the scene, but police have since recovered the vehicle believed to have been involved. According to Indian media citing the police complaint, Singh's life may have been saved if the driver had provided help immediately. Police have charged Dhillon under hit-and-run laws, and further investigations are underway. Singh, a British-Indian national, had returned to India recently for personal reasons. His sudden death has shocked communities both in India and abroad, especially in Ilford, east London, where he had lived since the early 1990s. The running club and charity he was closely associated with, Sikhs In The City, announced that its upcoming events would serve as celebrations of Singh’s extraordinary life and legacy. Despite being a global icon of endurance and late-life athleticism, Singh was never officially recognized by Guinness World Records due to the lack of a birth certificate from 1911. His British passport listed his date of birth as 1 April 1911, and he even received a personal birthday message from Queen Elizabeth on his 100th birthday.

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Fauja Singh was not just a runner but a symbol of hope, perseverance, and second chances. Born in rural Punjab in 1911, Singh could not walk properly until the age of five and was often teased for his weak legs. He never attended school and worked as a farmer through much of his life. It was only after suffering deep personal loss including the deaths of his wife and younger son that Singh took up running in his late 80s after moving to London. He joined a group of elderly runners at a local gurdwara and met Harmander Singh, who became his coach and friend. Under his guidance, Singh began training and eventually ran his first marathon at the age of 89. Between 2000 and 2013, he completed nine full marathons, including becoming the first known centenarian to finish a full marathon at age 100 in Toronto in 2011. His achievements earned him international fame. Adidas featured him in its 2004 "Impossible is Nothing" campaign alongside icons like Muhammad Ali. Singh also had the honor of carrying the Olympic torch during the 2012 London Olympics. Though not officially recognized by Guinness due to a lack of formal birth documentation, Singh remained unfazed, focusing instead on using his platform to inspire others and raise money for charity. He credited his longevity and stamina to a simple vegetarian diet, an active lifestyle, and strong faith. Even into his centenarian years, Singh maintained a strict training regimen and often delivered motivational speeches encouraging people to stay active regardless of age. Now mourned by admirers around the world, Fauja Singh leaves behind a legacy that proves it is never too late to begin anew and that the human spirit can endure far beyond expectations.

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