Oldest marathoner Fauja Singh recognized by Queen

In an unforgettable feat, Fauja Singh became the first centenarian to finish a marathon at the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon in 2011. But he didn’t stop there. He ran the London Marathon in 2012 at age 101. He holds the world record for the marathon at age 90 or over, with a time of 5:40, which he ran in Toronto in 2003, at the age of 92.

A legend in the running world, Singh, a British citizen, participated in the Olympic torch relay in the journey to the 2012 Games in London. He has also participated in an Adidas campaign alongside the likes of David Beckham and Muhammad Ali. He once set eight world age group records in a single day at the Ontario Masters Association Fauja Singh Invitational Meet, at the tender age of 100.

Singh, now 103, was named a Medallist of the Order of the British Empire by Queen Elizabeth II at the annual New Years Honours event. Singh was recognized for his “services to sport and charity.” It must have a pleasant surprise for the Queen to be recognizing someone much older than herself.

The last official race that Singh participated in was a 10K in Hong Kong in February of 2013. He remains an inspiration to runners around the world.