End of an era: Fauja Singh of Ilford quits running marathons at 101!

Wilson Chowdhry with Fauja Singh just before 31st March 2012 Park run in Valentines Park.

Fauja Singh at 101 became the oldest ever Marathon runner this year whilst running the London Marathon.  After the race he confirmed that this was his final London Marathon after celebrating 9 years of these charity runs.  This year he raised £1000 and ran the race in 7 hours 49 minutes smashing his target of 8 hours 25 mins.

I had the privilege to run with him at a Local Park run in Valentines Park and was astounded at his efforts to encourage others and endurance at his ripe age.   He has spoken of continuing to run shorter distances and will continue his role of being an ambassador for his sport.

The Ilford recorder described his achievement this year:

http://www.ilfordrecorder.co.uk/news/london_marathon_redbridge_s_record_breaking_101_year_old_runner_defies_expectations_1_1356802

Read the full BBC report on his retirement  here:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-17784505