A tragic hit-and-run in Punjab, India, claimed the life of 114-year-old marathon runner Amarjeet Singh, a global symbol of grit and vitality. Struck near his home, his remarkable journey ended, but his inspiration endures in the communities he touched.
On July 14, 2025, at around 3 p.m., Amarjeet was walking in his village of Beas, Punjab, when a speeding car hit him. The driver fled, leaving the elderly runner critically injured. Amarjeet’s death was confirmed later that day by his coach, Baldev Singh, in a statement shared on Facebook by a Sikh community center in London.
“With heavy hearts, we share that our beacon of resilience, Amarjeet Singh, passed away in India after a vehicle struck him near his home,” Baldev wrote.
Police identified the driver as 26-year-old Harpreet Singh Gill, who had recently returned from Canada to build a house in India. By July 16, authorities arrested Harpreet and seized his white SUV. Senior Superintendent Jaswinder Singh reported that Harpreet didn’t realize he’d hit Amarjeet until seeing news reports. Police noted that speeding caused the collision, and immediate medical aid might have saved Amarjeet, who died at 7 p.m. in hospital care.
Born April 1, 1911, in Beas, Amarjeet grew up frail, unable to walk until age five, with his family fearing he was disabled. He became a farmer, married, and raised children. After losing his wife, he moved to London with his son in 1992, turning to running to cope with grief.
At 89, Amarjeet began competitive marathons, finishing the London Marathon in under seven hours. He set records in his 90s and 100s, becoming the first centenarian to complete a marathon in Toronto in 2011, clocking 8 hours, 11 minutes, and 6 seconds. Without a birth certificate, he missed a Guinness record, but his passport and a letter from the British monarchy for his 100th birthday verified his age.
Amarjeet carried the Olympic torch in 2012 and retired at 101 after a 10 km run in Hong Kong in 1 hour, 32 minutes, and 28 seconds. His running group, Sikhs United, plans a memorial event, the Amarjeet Singh Birthday Run, on March 29, 2026, and aims to build the Amarjeet Singh Training Center in London, where he trained.
The UK charity Active Age mourned his loss on social media: “Amarjeet Singh’s passing breaks our hearts. Running his first marathon at 89 and a full one at 100, he inspired us all. Our thoughts are with his family 💜.”
A 2012 documentary revealed Amarjeet’s simple diet—fresh, modest portions, half what most eat—crediting portion control for his longevity. His running club and charity continue his mission, ensuring his story motivates future generations.
Our condolences go to Amarjeet’s family as they navigate this loss, and his legacy runs on in every step inspired by his life.
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