Melbourne, Australia (March 24, 2013): As per information Baba Fauja Singh, the world’s oldest marathon runner, is set to inaugurate the 26th Australian Sikh Games on March 29, 2013.
Baba Fauja Singh, who is turning 102 on April 1, had recently announced his retirement after participating in the Hong Kong marathon.
He said that he has decided to retire from marathon because of age factor but will continue to run for charity works and physical fitness.
“I have quit marathons but I will continue to run. Running is my addiction and I am alive because of this activity” Baba Fauja Singh reportedly said at a press conference at Melbourne on March 23, 2013.
“I am growing old and losing weight,” he said, giving reasons why he decided to quit.
Baba Fauja Singh is currently visiting Australia for the first time and has been invited to participate in the opening ceremony of the Australian Sikh Games this year. He will be participating in a run on March 24, 2013 which has been organised for a charity for children. He is also going to be felicitated by the New South Wales Parliament next week.
“AGE hasn’t wearied evergreen runner Fauja Singh. The pavement-pounding 101-year-old, nicknamed the Turban Tornado, will compete in the 15km event at tomorrow’s Herald Sun/CityLink Run for the Kids” Herald Sun reported on March 23.
“The world’s oldest marathon runner arrived from London yesterday to support the Royal Children’s Hospital’s Good Friday Appeal” it added.
“Running is my medicine, it’s my addiction,” said Baba Fauja Singh, who rediscovered his passion for running at 81 after the death of his wife and youngest son.
“I have never been to Australia before so to come here and raise money for ill children is a dream come true” Baba Fauja Singh reportedly added.
“At 92, Mr Singh slashed 58 minutes off the previous world best in the marathon for competitors aged over 90. He completed the Toronto Waterfront Marathon in 5hr 40min” Herald Sun has reported.
As per Herald Sun “[t]he veteran athlete, who turns 102 next week, holds UK records for 200m, 400m, 800m and 3000m events. The great-grandfather is the oldest man to complete a marathon, at 100”.
He credits a strict vegetarian diet and abstaining from alcohol and smoking for his endurance and longevity.
In 2004, Baba Fauja Singh Singh replaced boxing legend Muhammad Ali and soccer star David Beckham as the face of Adidas.