Who is the 100-year-old marathon runner?
The 100-year-old marathon runner is Fauja Singh, a British Sikh athlete widely known as the 'Turbaned Tornado'. Born in British India in 1911, he took up competitive running late in life, at the age of 89, following personal tragedies. Running became a coping mechanism for him, providing a new focus and sense of purpose. Over the course of his impressive career, he completed nine full marathons and numerous shorter races around the world, inspiring millions with his story of perseverance.
The historic marathon at 100 years old
On October 16, 2011, Fauja Singh made history by completing the Toronto Waterfront Marathon at the age of 100. This feat marked him as the first centenarian to ever run a full marathon. Despite his remarkable achievement, the time was never officially ratified by Guinness World Records due to the lack of an authentic birth certificate from his time of birth in colonial India. Nonetheless, his accomplishment received immense public celebration and remains a powerful testament to the potential of the human spirit. The decision to run his centenarian marathon in Toronto was, in part, a tribute to his previous success and the city's accommodating nature toward different cultures.
Breaking down Fauja Singh's finishing time
Fauja Singh's finish time for the 2011 Toronto Waterfront Marathon is often cited with two different metrics: the official race time and the chip time. The official race time, which is measured from the sound of the starting gun, was 8 hours, 25 minutes, and 16 seconds. However, because it took him approximately 14 minutes to cross the starting line due to the crowd of runners, his actual chip time was a more impressive 8 hours, 11 minutes, and 5.9 seconds. He beat more than a hundred younger runners in the process.
Fauja Singh's overall marathon career
Though his centenarian run was his most famous, Fauja Singh had a long and celebrated masters running career. He ran his first marathon in London in 2000 at age 89, and over the next decade, he would run in multiple cities, including New York and Toronto.
A comparative look at Fauja Singh's marathon times
| Race | Age | Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| London Marathon 2000 | 89 | 6 hours, 54 minutes | His first ever marathon, showing incredible promise. |
| London Marathon 2003 | 92 | 6 hours, 2 minutes | Significantly improved his time over three years. |
| Toronto Waterfront Marathon 2003 | 92 | 5 hours, 40 minutes | His personal best time, setting a world record for the 90+ age group. |
| Toronto Waterfront Marathon 2011 | 100 | 8 hours, 11 minutes (chip) | The historic run that made him the first centenarian finisher. |
What was Fauja Singh's training like?
Fauja Singh attributed his longevity and athletic success to a disciplined, simple lifestyle. His approach to training and well-being involved several key elements:
- Daily Running and Walking: Even after his retirement from competitive running in 2013, he maintained a regular routine of walking and jogging up to 10 miles a day.
- Simple Vegetarian Diet: Singh followed a strict vegetarian diet, focusing on simple, nutritious foods like phulka, dal, and green vegetables. He avoided fried foods, alcohol, and smoking throughout his life, believing that this contributed significantly to his health.
- Mental Fortitude: When interviewed about his secret to success, he would often credit his mental and spiritual strength, famously stating, "The first 20 miles are not difficult... for the last six miles, I run while talking to God". He focused on remaining positive and leaving behind negative thoughts.
The legacy of Fauja Singh
Fauja Singh's influence extended far beyond his individual race times. He became an international icon, using his platform to raise money for charity and promote the Sikh community. His story resonated with people of all ages, proving that passion and dedication can thrive at any stage of life. His participation in the Adidas "Impossible Is Nothing" advertising campaign further cemented his status as a global inspiration. He carried the Olympic torch for the London 2012 Games, and a biography titled "Turbaned Tornado" was written about his life.
Conclusion
For anyone asking, "How long did the 100 year old marathon runner run?" the answer is a profound 8 hours and 11 minutes, a time that represents more than just a race finish. Fauja Singh's performance at the Toronto Waterfront Marathon was a testament to his resilient spirit and a life dedicated to healthy, disciplined living. His journey from starting running at age 89 to completing a marathon at 100 serves as an enduring inspiration that age is but a number when fueled by determination and a positive outlook.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Fauja Singh's fastest marathon time? Fauja Singh's personal best for a marathon was 5 hours and 40 minutes, which he achieved at the Toronto Waterfront Marathon in 2003 when he was 92 years old.
Why was Fauja Singh's marathon record not recognized by Guinness World Records? Guinness World Records did not officially recognize Fauja Singh's record for being the oldest marathoner due to his lack of an authenticated birth certificate. He was born in colonial India in 1911, and birth records were not commonly issued in rural areas at that time.
Did Fauja Singh run any other marathons besides his 100-year-old one? Yes, Fauja Singh ran nine full marathons in total, along with several shorter races, in locations including London, New York, and Toronto.
When did Fauja Singh retire from competitive running? Fauja Singh retired from competitive running in 2013, at the age of 101, after completing a 10-kilometer race in Hong Kong.
What was the inspiration for Fauja Singh to start running? Fauja Singh began running seriously at the age of 89 as a way to cope with the immense grief he felt after the deaths of his wife and a son.
What was Fauja Singh's diet and lifestyle like? Singh followed a simple vegetarian diet, abstained from alcohol and smoking, and maintained a positive mental attitude to stay healthy and fit well into his old age.
How did Fauja Singh train for his marathons at an advanced age? Singh trained with the help of a coach and relied on a consistent routine of running and walking. He famously said he would rely on his spiritual strength during the latter miles of a race.
