India's Oldest Marathon Runner at 114 Dies in Hit-and-Run Accident

Born in Rural India in 1911, Marathon Runner Passes Away
Indian Prime Minister: "An Exceptional Athlete with Remarkable Determination" Expresses Condolences

Pauza Sing, known as the "world's oldest marathon runner" and famous for competing in marathon races even past the age of 100, has died in a hit-and-run accident.

On July 15 (local time), CNN reported that "Indian police announced that Pauza Sing died in a hit-and-run on the 13th."

Pauza Sing crossing the finish line in the 10km race at the Hong Kong Marathon. Photo by AFP.

Pauza Sing was born in rural India in 1911 and later moved to London. He began running marathons in his late 80s and set a record by completing the full 42.195 km marathon nine times. Although he was not officially listed in the Guinness World Records due to the lack of a birth certificate, he was recognized as the world's oldest marathon runner.

According to Indian police, Pauza Sing was struck by a vehicle while walking on a road near a village in Beas, Punjab, in northwestern India. The Jalandhar Rural District Police Chief stated, "He was transported to the hospital but died from head and rib injuries."

In an interview with CNN, the police chief said, "We are working to identify the vehicle and are reviewing CCTV footage from the area," adding, "We have also obtained statements from witnesses." Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences, describing Sing as "an exceptional athlete with remarkable determination."

Sing began running marathons at the late age of 89 to overcome the grief of losing his wife and son. In a past interview with CNN, he expressed his affection for running, saying, "Running has given me so much," and "It helped me forget my trauma and grief and allowed me to live again."

He completed his first marathon in 2000 and achieved his personal best of 5 hours and 40 minutes at the 2003 Toronto Waterfront Marathon. At the 2011 Toronto Marathon, he finished in 8 hours, 11 minutes, and 6 seconds, becoming the first person over 100 years old to complete a marathon. His final race was a 10km event in Hong Kong in 2013, the year after he participated as a torchbearer in the 2012 London Olympics.