Fauja Singh becomes world oldest marathon runner

When you hear about a 100-year-old man hitting the wall, it usually conjures up the worst image of a frail person being injured.

Fauja Singh hit the wall but not in the literal sense. Rather, the inspirational centenarian became the world's oldest marathon runner after completing the Toronto Waterfront Marathon.

Singh, who was born in India but currently resides in Ilford, east London, completed the race in eight hours 25 minutes and 16 seconds. It could have been a quicker time had he not hit the dreaded "wall" after 22 miles. It took him another two hours to complete the remaining 4.2 miles.

Singh's coach and translator Harmander Singh said,

"Earlier, 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."

Yesterday's race was his eighth marathon, he set the fastest time in the 90-plus category in Toronto back in 2003, finishing the race in five hours, 40 minutes and one second.

And Singh showed his prowess in all forms of running last Thursday in Toronto, breaking world record for runners over 100 in eight different distances ranging from 100m to 5,000m.

Singh ran in his first marathon 11 years ago when his wife and son died and is proof that it's never too late to try something new in life, no matter how old you are.

He trains daily, running 10 miles a day and has no secrets other than eating ginger curry, drinking tea and being happy.

Singh said,

"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."

Singh is hoping to be chosen as one of the torchbearers for the 2012 Olympics in London and there aren't too many other candidates who are worthy of carrying out such a duty.