The article details the unfortunate circumstances surrounding the hit-and-run death of Fauja Singh, a renowned 114-year-old marathon runner from India, and the subsequent arrest of a driver believed to be responsible for the incident.
Driver Arrested in Hit-and-Run Death of Centenarian Marathon Icon Fauja Singh
Driver Arrested in Hit-and-Run Death of Centenarian Marathon Icon Fauja Singh
A tragic incident has led to the arrest of a driver who struck and killed Fauja Singh, the world's oldest marathon runner, in a hit-and-run.
In Punjab, India, police have arrested Amritpal Singh Dhillon, a 26-year-old man, in connection with the tragic hit-and-run that claimed the life of Fauja Singh, known as the world’s oldest marathon runner. The incident happened while Singh was enjoying his afternoon walk in his birth village near Jalandhar. After being struck by Dhillon’s speeding SUV, the acclaimed runner was rushed to the hospital but sadly succumbed to his injuries shortly after arrival.
Singh earned global recognition for his impressive marathon accomplishments, having started running at 89 and completing nine full marathons before his retirement at 102. Despite his remarkable athletic feats, his age-related records were not officially recognized by Guinness World Records, primarily due to the absence of a birth certificate from 1911, although Singh's British passport substantiated his birth date and he received notable acknowledgments such as a letter from the Queen on his 100th birthday.
The local community, who rushed Singh to the hospital, believes that if the driver had immediately taken him for medical help, he might have lived. Following investigation efforts, authorities recovered the vehicle involved in the hit-and-run, raising public outcry over the importance of accountability.
Fauja Singh was not just a runner; he was a symbol of resilience. Originally mocked for his frailty as a child, he ventured into running later in life, following personal tragedies, including the loss of his wife and later, his son. His inspiring story caught global media attention, especially when he became the face of Adidas’ “Impossible is Nothing” campaign, alongside sporting legends.
His charity and running club, Sikhs In The City, plan to honor his legacy with forthcoming events in his adopted hometown of Ilford, emphasizing his journey from a weak child to an international marathon icon.
Singh earned global recognition for his impressive marathon accomplishments, having started running at 89 and completing nine full marathons before his retirement at 102. Despite his remarkable athletic feats, his age-related records were not officially recognized by Guinness World Records, primarily due to the absence of a birth certificate from 1911, although Singh's British passport substantiated his birth date and he received notable acknowledgments such as a letter from the Queen on his 100th birthday.
The local community, who rushed Singh to the hospital, believes that if the driver had immediately taken him for medical help, he might have lived. Following investigation efforts, authorities recovered the vehicle involved in the hit-and-run, raising public outcry over the importance of accountability.
Fauja Singh was not just a runner; he was a symbol of resilience. Originally mocked for his frailty as a child, he ventured into running later in life, following personal tragedies, including the loss of his wife and later, his son. His inspiring story caught global media attention, especially when he became the face of Adidas’ “Impossible is Nothing” campaign, alongside sporting legends.
His charity and running club, Sikhs In The City, plan to honor his legacy with forthcoming events in his adopted hometown of Ilford, emphasizing his journey from a weak child to an international marathon icon.
