'The first 20 miles were easy, but for the last 6, I kept conversing with God...'
This was the statement from 89-year-old athlete Fauja Singh after completing his first marathon in London. On Monday, the world bid farewell to a remarkable life as Fauja Singh, aged 114, passed away in Jalandhar. Singh, a British citizen of Indian origin, carved out a unique identity by running marathons from Mumbai to Canada and London.
Born in Jalandhar, Known Worldwide
Fauja Singh was born on April 1, 1911, in Beas Pind, Jalandhar, Punjab. His decision to start marathon running at 89 surprised many. Known for his passionate pursuit, he earned the title 'Turbaned Tornado', also the title of his biography.
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In 2004, at age 93, Fauja completed the London Marathon. By 2011, he had achieved the Toronto Marathon at 100, setting a record in the 100-plus category as the oldest marathon runner globally. However, one regret lingered: his inability to speak and read English. Despite carrying the Olympic torch for the 2012 London Olympics, Fauja required a translator, knowing only Punjabi.
Childhood Struggles with His Legs
Born in Jalandhar, Fauja Singh's early life was not easy. Teased as 'Danda' for his thin stature, he faced challenges walking due to leg weakness, unable to walk a kilometer by the age of five. Strength came from working on the farm with his father, bolstering his physical capabilities over time.
Source: aajtak
As years passed and the country gained independence, Fauja Singh's life also progressed. He married Gyan Kaur, with whom he had three sons and three daughters. They managed their farm and family, while their children eventually moved to Canada and London, leaving their youngest son Kuldeep in Jalandhar to care for their parents.
Departure from India after Personal Loss
In 1992, Fauja Singh's wife, Gyan Kaur, passed away, leaving him over 80. While he hoped to spend his remaining years supported by his son Kuldeep, his world turned upside down in 1994 when Kuldeep died in an accident. With no one left in India, Fauja's children brought him to London, realizing he had no support in his homeland. In London, where language and lifestyle posed challenges, Fauja's days passed mostly with TV as his companion. One day on TV, he saw a marathon announcement, sparking memories of his youth spent strengthening his legs in the fields.
Source: aajtak
Discovering the London Marathon on TV
Inspired by the TV broadcast, Fauja Singh decided to participate in a marathon, recalling his robust days working on the farm. Despite age and physical constraints, his determination saw him through. Starting with jogging, he learned about marathons from neighbors, leading him to marathon runner and trainer Harminder Singh.
Expressing his aspirations to Harminder, the 89-year-old Fauja Singh initially surprised him. However, recognizing illustrious ambition, Harminder agreed to train him. Despite the limitations of age and limited time, Harminder prepared Fauja for his marathon goal.
First Marathon at 89
In 2000, Fauja Singh completed his first marathon in six hours and 54 minutes. When asked about his endurance, he famously replied, 'The first 20 miles were easy, but for the last 6, I talked to God.'
In 2001, another marathon in London awaited. Over 90 years old, with a goal in sight, Fauja Singh aimed to break the then-standing record of 7 hours 52 minutes, set almost 25 years ago. He completed the marathon in 6 hours 55 minutes, surpassing the record by 57 minutes. Within a year, he partook in three more marathons, establishing records.
Running to Defy Hatred
Simranjeet Singh authored a book on Fauja Singh. According to him, during the New York Marathon, Fauja aimed to prove Sikh perseverance and strength amidst post-9/11 hate crimes against Sikhs, mistaken for Muslims due to their beards. The marathon sought not only to demonstrate resilience but also to counter prejudice. After this race, Fauja Singh decided to retire from marathons.
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Between 2000 and 2011, Fauja Singh competed in numerous marathons. In the 2003 Toronto Marathon, he covered 42.15 kilometers in just 5 hours 40 minutes, setting a personal record. At 100 years old, surviving the marathon marked him as the oldest to achieve the feat.
In his age category, Fauja broke records for 200 meters, 400 meters, 800 meters, 3,000 meters, and 5,000 meters in a single day. These were inaugural records as no one had previously attempted marathons at 100, though lack of a birth certificate prevented their Guinness World Record entry.
