Oldest Marathon Runner (Unofficially)

Last week I heard a blurb on the local news about a 101-year-old man who had just completed his last competitive race.  I had to find out more.

Fauja Singh was born before WWI, but because he doesn't have a birth certificate, Guinness Book of Records won't grant him the title of oldest marathon runner.  He started running competitively at age 89 after the death of his wife and son.  He turns 102 April 1.

Singh runs to raise money for others.  He just completed the Hong Kong Marathon and ran the 10K in 32 minutes 28 seconds. He raised over $20,000.

He plans to keep running.  "I will not lose confidence. I have been running for four to five hours every day and I will keep on doing so. This is why I am still alive. If I stop working, my life would no longer be a success and I would fail. I would lose my charm then," Singh said.

Singh attributes his success to the joy he gets from running. "It's because of the happiness I get out of it. If something makes you happy, you'll do it well."

Resources:
http://www.wrdw.com/news/world/headlines/101-year-old-man--193130261.html

http://sports.in.msn.com/othersports/101-year-old-marathon-runner-shines-at-last-race

http://www.kvia.com/news/World-s-oldest-marathon-runner-runs-last-race/-/391068/19066110/-/12r54l3/-/index.html

I linked up with Fun in 1st Grade for Inspiration Monday.