Opening ceremonies for the 2012 London Olympics are on Friday. If you are a fan of Run Revolution’s Facebook page, you have read a bit about Fauja Singh, the 101 year old marathon runner. Singh is currently the oldest marathon runner, and he only started running at the age of 86!
He ran his first race in 2000, which was the London Marathon. He was 89 years old, and he finished in 6 hours, 54 minutes, breaking the previous world record for his age group (90+) by more than 58 minutes!
He has run 8 marathons: NY (1), Toronto (2), and London (5), running a PR in Toronto in 2003 with an impressive 5:40!
His PR for a half marathon? 2:33 (Glasgow city half marathon, 2004). He was 93.
And this year (on Saturday), he carried the Olympic Torch as part of the relay…for the second time. He carried it in Athens in 2004, and wishes to carry it again in 2016 (he will be 105).
Singh is a vegetarian. Obviously meat is not a necessity for endurance sports.
Have you always wanted to run that marathon but thought you were too old? Have you always wanted to start running but think you are too old? I am sorry, but being too old is just not an excuse you can use anymore.
For all the running events in the Olympics this year, click here. (women’s marathon is August 5, and men’s marathon is August 12)
Do you know anyone who is 80+ who runs regularly?
This guy ran a faster half marathon than me!! WAY TO GO! Thanks for posting this. It really is amazing what the human body can do…like they say, mind over matter.
So inspirational! Great post!
Shawn
It really is! Thanks.