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.
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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.