Fauja Singh – described by members of the community as “legendary” and a “powerhouse of positivity” – died on Monday (July 14) after an alleged hit-and-run crash in his birth village of Beas Pind, near Jalandhar.
Fauja started running when he was 89, before later becoming the first 100-year-old to complete a marathon.
Harmander Singh, Fauja’s coach at the running club and charity Sikhs In The City, confirmed his death in statement on social media, calling Fauja an “icon of humanity and powerhouse of positivity”.
Fauja has been called ‘legendary’ (Image: Sikhs In The City)
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He told the Recorder: “It’s a great honour, not only for our club and our community, but society [to remember him] because he inspired so many people with his positivity.
“It’s sad that it’s a tragic way that he went but we want people to celebrate his life rather than moan about it.”
Sikhs In The City were already planning to build a Fauja Singh Clubhouse in his honour, but it will now be “in his memory”, Harmander said.
The coach explained that the club is increasing fundraising efforts – encouraging the community to pay tribute to Fauja with a donation, and eventually aiming to raise £1million.
The club are also holding an event this Sunday (July 20) to remember him, attempting to run 114 laps of the route Fauja used to train on.
Ilford South MP Jas Athwal said he was “deeply saddened” to hear about the centenarian’s passing.
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In a statement on X, he said: “He was legendary.
“He was a global Sikh icon, that inspired millions across the world.
“His spirit and legacy of resilience will run on forever. My heartfelt condolences to all his family and friends.
“We will miss him.”
