According to local media, Singh was crossing the road in his village near Jalandhar, Punjab, when the accident occurred. He sustained severe head injuries and was taken to a hospital but did not survive.

The running club and charity Sikhs in the City in London confirmed his death.

Fauja Singh at the 2009 Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon. Photo: Canada Running Series

Fauja Singh at the 2009 Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon. Photo: Canada Running Series

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences, describing Singh as "an exceptional individual for his unique personality and how he inspired young Indians on the important subject of health."

"He was an outstanding athlete with extraordinary determination," Modi said. "I am deeply saddened by his passing. My condolences to his family and countless admirers worldwide."

In 2011, at the age of 100, Singh became the oldest man to complete a marathon in Toronto, finishing in just over eight hours. This achievement wasn't recognized by the Guinness World Records because he lacked a birth certificate to verify his age. Singh had a British passport listing his birth date as 1/4/1911, but a letter from Indian government officials stated they didn't keep citizen birth records at that time. This created uncertainty about Singh's true age.

A torchbearer for the 2012 London Olympics, Singh started running at 89 to cope with depression after his wife and son died in India. His son Kuldip's death in 1994 was particularly traumatic. While the two, both farmers, were checking their fields during a storm, a sheet of metal blown by the wind decapitated Kuldip in front of Singh.

Fauja Singh, aged 100 in 2011, was believed to be the world’s oldest marathon runner. Photo: EPA

Fauja Singh, aged 100 in 2011, was believed to be the world’s oldest marathon runner. Photo: EPA

Singh then moved in with his youngest son in London. There, he participated in events organized by the Sikh community and began sprinting. He met some Sikh marathon runners who encouraged him to try long-distance running. After watching a marathon on television for the first time, he decided to run the distance himself.

In 2000, at 89, he ran his first marathon in the London Marathon and went on to participate in eight more. His personal best was 5 hours 40 minutes at the 2003 Toronto Marathon. "From one tragedy came so much success and happiness," Singh once said.

Singh ran his last race in 2013 at 101, completing the 10km race at the Hong Kong Marathon in 1 hour 32 minutes 28 seconds. After retiring, he said he hoped "people will remember me and continue to invite me to events even though I am no longer running."

Hong Duy (according to ESPN)