European Athletics (EAA) – News – 100-year-old Briton becomes the world’s oldest marathon runner |

A 100-year-old British runner Fauja Singh has become the world's oldest marathon runner after finishing the Toronto Waterfront Marathon in 8:25:16 on Sunday. 

Singh already holds the over-90 world best after running the 2003 Toronto Marathon in 5:40:01.

He was on course for a time around seven-and-a-half-hours on Sunday until, as he told reporters, he hit the wall at about 22 miles, a feeling many runners a fraction of his age have experienced.

"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,” said his coach and namesake Harmander Singh.

Singh, from the east London suburb of Ilford which is just a few miles away from the 2012 Olympic Stadium, took up running 11 years ago after both his wife and son had died.

He trains every day by running or walking 10 miles. Born in India, Singh was a farmer in the Punjab before moving to Britain in the 1960s.

"The secret to a long and healthy life is to be stress-free. Be grateful for everything you have, stay away from people who are negative, stay smiling and keep running,” said Singh senior, who will earn a spot in the Guinness World Book of Records for his accomplishment.

Singh said he's hoping he will be able to participate in the torch relay for the 2012 Olympic Games in London. He also carried the torch during the relay for the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens.

European Athletics congratulates and applauds Fauja Singh, the embodiment of the European Athletics ethos Your Sport For Life.

European Athletics (EAA)