Fauja Singh: The Man Who Ran Until He Was 100

Photograph: Chris Young/AP

Most people slow down with age. Fauja Singh? He sped up.

At an age when most people are settling into retirement and taking life easy, Singh became a global running icon, setting records, inspiring millions, and proving that it’s never too late to chase a dream. He didn’t just run—he defied the odds, setting records and completing a full marathon at 100 years old.

His story isn’t just about running. It’s about resilience, determination, and the belief that limits exist only in the mind.

Early Life: From Punjab to the Pavement

Fauja Singh was born in 1911 in a small farming village in Punjab, India. As a child, he was frail and struggled to walk until the age of five, earning him the nickname “Danda” (Punjabi for stick) due to his thin frame.

Despite his early physical challenges, Singh grew up active and hardworking, walking miles through the fields daily. But formal running? That wasn’t part of his life. In fact, for most of his early years, he never thought about running as a sport.

For decades, Singh lived a quiet, traditional life, working as a farmer and raising a family. Running wasn’t part of his routine. But everything changed after he faced unimaginable personal tragedy.

The Loss That Led to Running

In the late 1980s, Fauja Singh’s life was shattered when he lost both his wife and his son. Heartbroken and struggling to find purpose, Singh moved to London, England, where his other children lived.

At first, adjusting to his new life in London was difficult. He was far from the home he had always known, and the weight of his losses made it hard to find joy in everyday life. But then, something unexpected happened—he started running.

What began as casual walks to clear his mind soon turned into jogging, and before long, he realized that running gave him something he hadn’t felt in a long time—peace and purpose.

So, at nearly 80 years old, he laced up his first pair of running shoes and took his first steps toward history.

The Unlikely Beginning of a Running Legend

Most runners start young. Fauja Singh? He ran his first marathon at 89 years old.

While most men his age were slowing down, Singh was just getting started. He entered the London Marathon in 2000, finishing in an impressive 6 hours and 54 minutes. He didn’t just complete the race—he smashed records for his age group.

This was just the beginning.

Over the next decade, Singh became a force in the running world, competing in major marathons across the globe. His running times weren’t just remarkable for his age—they were impressive by any standard.

At 93 years old, he ran the London Marathon in 6 hours and 2 minutes.At 96 years old, he ran the Toronto Waterfront Marathon in 5 hours and 40 minutes.And at 100 years old, he did the impossible.

The Oldest Marathoner in History

On October 16, 2011, Fauja Singh made history. At 100 years old, he completed the Toronto Waterfront Marathon in 8 hours, 25 minutes, and 16 seconds—becoming the first centenarian to ever complete a full marathon.

Most runners start to slow down in their 30s, 40s, and 50s. Singh proved that age is just a number.

His achievement wasn’t just about time—it was about endurance, determination, and proving that anything is possible.

After crossing the finish line, he was mobbed by reporters and fans, all asking the same question: "How did you do it?"

Singh’s answer was simple: "I run because it makes me happy. I don’t run for records. I run to inspire others."

The Secret to Running at 100 Years Old

So how did Fauja Singh keep running while others were slowing down? His routine wasn’t built around expensive gear or high-tech training plans—it was built on simplicity, discipline, and an unbreakable mindset.

His Training Routine

✔ Ran 10 to 15 miles every day✔ Practiced yoga and meditation for mental clarity✔ Kept a strict vegetarian diet✔ Maintained a positive outlook on life

Singh didn’t believe in overcomplicating his training. His philosophy? Run, eat well, think positively, and let your body do the rest.

One of his most famous quotes sums it up best:

“The first 20 miles are not difficult. As for the last six miles, I run while talking to God.”

More Than a Runner—A Global Inspiration

Fauja Singh didn’t just run for himself—he ran for others.

✔ He used his races to raise thousands of dollars for charity, supporting children’s hospitals, disaster relief funds, and more.✔ In 2004, he became the face of Adidas’ "Impossible Is Nothing" campaign, inspiring runners worldwide.✔ In 2012, at 101 years old, he carried the Olympic torch for the London Games, proving that age is no barrier to greatness.

Even after officially retiring from marathons at 102, Singh continued to run daily, give motivational talks, and inspire runners around the world.

Breaking More Records Along the Way

Fauja Singh wasn’t just the oldest marathon finisher—he set multiple world records in his age group.

At 100 years old, he set the fastest times ever recorded for:

✔ 100 meters (23.4 seconds)✔ 200 meters (52.2 seconds)✔ 400 meters (2:13)✔ 800 meters (5:32)✔ 1,500 meters (11:27)✔ 3,000 meters (24:52)✔ 5,000 meters (49:57)

No one his age had ever attempted these distances—and no one has matched them since.

No Excuses. Just Run.

Fauja Singh’s story isn’t just about running. It’s about never letting excuses get in the way.

✔ Too old? He started running in his 80s.✔ Too slow? He finished marathons at 100.✔ Too tired? He trained every single day.

His message is clear: It’s never too late to start.

Even if you’ve never run a mile, even if you think you’re past your prime—there’s always time to chase a new goal, to push yourself, and to prove that the human spirit has no limits.

Singh himself said it best:

"Age is no barrier. You are only as old as you feel."

So the next time you think about skipping a run, remember this—if Fauja Singh could run 26.2 miles at 100 years old, what’s stopping you?