Context:

Fauja Singh, believed to be the world's oldest marathon runner, tragically died after being struck by a vehicle in a hit-and-run incident in Punjab, India. The 114-year-old runner, who began his marathon career at the age of 89 and set multiple records, was hit by a speeding SUV driven by Amritpal Singh Dhillon. Despite Singh's remarkable achievements, including carrying the Olympic torch in 2012, he was not officially recognized by Guinness World Records due to the absence of a birth certificate from 1911. The incident occurred near Singh's birth village, and reports suggest that his life could have been saved if immediate medical attention had been provided. Singh's life was marked by personal tragedy, as he began running after the deaths of family members, eventually gaining international fame and inspiring many through his resilience and determination.

Dive Deeper:

• Fauja Singh, who was considered the world's oldest marathon runner, was killed in a hit-and-run accident in Punjab, India, at the age of 114. He was hit by a white SUV driven by Amritpal Singh Dhillon while on his afternoon walk.

• Singh was renowned for his marathon achievements, beginning his running career at 89 and completing nine full marathons by the time he retired in 2013. His records spanned multiple age categories, including being the first person over 100 to finish a full marathon.

• Despite his accomplishments, including carrying the Olympic torch in 2012, Singh was not recognized by Guinness World Records due to the lack of a birth certificate, though his British passport indicated his birth date as April 1, 1911.

• The tragic incident took place near Singh's birth village of Beas Pind, and local reports suggest that his life could have been saved if the driver had immediately taken him to the hospital after the accident.

• Singh's life was filled with personal loss, which prompted him to start running later in life. After moving to London following the death of his wife, he began running following the loss of his younger son in an accident in India.

• Singh's journey as a runner began after meeting a group of older men at a gurdwara in Ilford, UK, where Harmander Singh became his coach, leading to international recognition, including a campaign with Adidas.

• The upcoming events by his running club, Sikhs In The City, in Ilford will celebrate Singh's legacy and his indomitable spirit, which transformed him from a boy with weak legs to a global icon in marathon running.