World's Oldest Marathon Runner

Just to give you a break from my own running stories, I'm sharing you a short yet humble story of the World's Oldest Marathon Runner, who as of this posting, is currently 101 years of age. Although he has already retired from running full marathons after his eighth Marathon in London last April, he just recently took part on a 4-man Marathon relay race at the 10th Edinburgh Marathon Festival held just last Saturday, 26th May 2012. Their team crossed the finish line in an astonishing time of 5 hours and 23 seconds.

by Lesley Martin, Edinburgh Marathon Festival 2012.
Fauja Singh aged 101 after completing the relay.

Fauja Singh attained the World's Oldest Marathon Runner last October of 2011 after completing a full length Marathon at the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront which he finished in 8 hours, 25 minutes and 16 seconds. Did he finished last? Amazingly, nope! Five more runners came in after him.

Last year, at age 100, he was interviewed and shared his secret to staying alive, and avoiding stress. What proved this is that about 3 years ago (age 99), his health tests showed that he has a bone density of a 35-year old, yet, he claims that he never drink milk as he's afraid of building up phlegm.

Singh says that running has given him purpose and a sense of peace, adding up that he don't worry and stress over small things. Amazingly also, with daily mileage run of 10 miles, he ran his very first Marathon at the age of 89, and at 94, he became a poster boy for Adidas, alongside David Beckham and Jonny Wilkinson.

More of his story may be found at:
BBC News
Wikipedia

"Anything worth doing is going to be difficult" - Fauja Singh, World's Oldest Marathoner at age 101 as of year 2012.