He came in last. It took him over 8 hours. But it was good enough for a world record.
Fauja Singh completed the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon yesterday, making him the oldest person ever to finish one of the 26.2-mile races. He is 100 years old.
The Association of Road Racing Statistician already had Singh as the oldest person to complete a marathon, for one he ran seven years ago. But the Guinness Book of World Records recognized Dimitrion Yordanidis, 98, who ran in Athens in 1976.
It was the eighth marathon for Singh, who was born India in 1911 and did not start running marathons until he was 89(!), after he moved to England following the death of his wife and son. He says not smoking or drinking alcohol throughout his life, combined with a vegetarian diet and up to 10 miles of walking or running per day are the secrets to his health.
Singh ran wearing his yellow turban and a matching T-shirt with the words “Sikhs in the City” emblazoned across the front. His time of 8:25.17 was more than six hours behind winner Kenneth
“I have said it before: that I will carry on running, as it is keeping me alive,” Singh told the marathon website.
Singh doesn’t procrastinate, and neither should you. Click here for details on the Indianapolis Monumental Marathon discount that will end Friday.
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