Age is Just a Number: Never Too Late, Never Too Old

 

His son died in front of him. A piece of metal sheeting in a storm, a freak farming accident in Punjab. Fauja Singh was already in his eighties. His wife was already gone. He sat in his village and stopped speaking for weeks. His family moved him to East London to be closer to relatives. One afternoon he wandered into a park and saw a group of men running in matching kit. He did not know what a marathon was. He asked someone to explain. He decided he would do one.

He was 89 years old. He finished his first London Marathon in 6 hours and 54 minutes. He kept going. New York. Toronto. Edinburgh. Hong Kong. At 100, wrapped in a yellow turban and a beard the color of clean snow, he became the oldest person ever to finish a marathon distance. His training diet was ginger curry, strong tea, and long walks through Ilford.

He never learned to read or write. He never owned a car. He started running at an age when most people are choosing a chair. Starting late is still starting. The clock is not the gatekeeper you think it is.

from Marathon Mindset on Facebook on May 23, 2026

Antonio Rao proves it again! At 93 years old, he conquered the 2026 Rome Marathon in 7:09:20. A true legend who holds the M90 world record and continues to inspire generations. From a sub-2-hour half marathon at 75 to completing the Roma-Ostia half marathon in 2 hours, 54 minutes, and 40 seconds... this is dedication at its finest.

from Marathon Mindset on Facebook on January 17, 2026