80-year-old Sikh man, inspired by Fauja Singh, to run London Marathon on April 26

Fauja Singh inspired: An 80-year-old British Sikh man will be running London Marathon for the first time on April 26.

Baldev Singh, inspired by late Fauja Singh is running the marathon to raise money for the Fauja Singh Clubhouse being built on the Redbridge in Fauja Singh's memory. This is the same route that Fauj Singh used to run. 

Fauja Singh died last year in July after he was hit by a car in his native village Beas Pind at the age of 114. 

Regarded as the oldest marathon runner, Fauja Singh began running at the age of 89 after losing his wife and son in an accident. He turned to running as a way to cope with grief and loneliness. Starting with the London Marathon in 2000, he went on to participate in 18 marathons. He retired after completing his final three races in Toronto (2011), London (2012), and Hong Kong (2013).

Baldev knew Fauja as they lived in the same London borough, Redbridge, and went to the same gurdwara.

“When Fauja improved his running, I decided I wanted to improve my health. Fauja told me to start walking, and then running, and to change my diet and think positively,” Baldev said. 

Baldev hired Fauja’s coach, Harmander Singh, last year to train him, and he is also part of the Sikhs in the City running club where Fauja used to train.

Harmander, who is 66, is also taking part in the London Marathon to raise money for a clubhouse that will cost £1 million. The project received planning approval on April 1, which would have been Fauja’s 115th birthday.