Marathon Runner Fauja Singh retires at 101

Indian-born British runner Fauja Singh bid his adieu to marathon race on a high, when he completed the final race (10-km) of his life in one hour, 32 minutes and 28 seconds. The farewell came at the age of 101. The last race was completed at the Hong Kong Marathon.

Fauja Singh, a farmer by profession in Punjab, had moved to England in the 1960s. He started running at the age of 89 and took part in nine 42-km marathons in London, Toronto and New York. He best came at Toronto Marathon, where he clocked five hours, 40 minutes and four seconds.

It’s any irony that the Guinness World Records did not certify him, as he could not produce a birth certificate to prove his age. However, on 13 November 2003, he was awarded the Ellis Island Medal of Honor by the National Ethnic Coalition Organization, a group that advocates ethnic pride and tolerance.

Fauja Singh always stayed away from smoking and alcohol and followed a strict vegetarian diet to keep himself fit. He has been the source of inspiration for millions of youth and old across the globe.