Friday 9 March 2012

The world's oldest marathon runner – aged 100

Fauja Singh, born in 1911, only started running 11 years ago after his wife and son died.

He claims "being happy" is vital to success and also credits ginger curry and cups of tea for his stamina.

Fauja, from Ilford, east London, became the first person to complete a marathon at 100 in Toronto last year in front of Guinness World Record officials.

He broke world records for runners older than 100 in eight different distances ranging from 100 metres to 5,000m.

Medal ... Fauja grabbed 3,850th place
Medal ... Fauja grabbed 3,850th place (AP)

He struggled to complete his eighth marathon– the Scotiabank Toronto Marathon – but still didn't come last.



There were five other runners who crossed the line behind the Indian-born athlete who finished the race in eight hours, 25 minutes and 16 seconds claiming 3,850th place.

On track ... Fauja in training
On track ... Fauja in training(AP)

He already holds the title for the fastest male marathon runner aged 90 or over, after running the Toronto race in five hours, forty minutes and one second aged 92 in 2003.

Fauja runs at least 10 miles a day to keep in shape.

His coach and translator Harmander Singh said: "Beating his original prediction, he's overjoyed.

"Earlier, just before we came around the (final) corner, he said: 'Achieving this will be like getting married again'.

"He's absolutely overjoyed, he's achieved his lifelong wish."

Fauja carried the Olympic torch during the relay for the 2004 Athens Games and hopes to win the privilege again for the London Games next month. Already he's been warming up to participate in marathons in the next month's London Olympics.


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