An inspirational marathon runner revealed the secrets to his longevity after hanging up his running shoes
Fauja Singh’s rigid diet helped him compete in marathons at the age of 100(Image: Jeff J Mitchell, Getty Images)
Fauja Singh credited linseed and a daily cup of tea with keeping his body in good shape. With the London Marathon approaching this weekend, the thousands of runners preparing to tackle the 26.2-mile course could do well to heed Singh’s words of wisdom.
The legendary athlete rediscovered his passion for running at the age of 89 and went on to compete in marathons across the globe. Singh took part in the 2000 London Marathon and completed the 26.2-mile race in just under seven hours.
He was reportedly the first 100-year-old to finish a marathon when he competed in Toronto in 2011, earning him the title of the world’s oldest runner. Singh passed away in 2025 at the age of 114, having finally hung up his running shoes back in 2013.
Throughout his life, he followed a strict vegetarian diet and relied on one particular superfood each day to maintain his physical well-being. Speaking to the Guardian in 2013 following his retirement, he said: “Every day I have linseed and a cup of tea.”
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Linseed, also known as flaxseed, is rich in dietary fibre and is often available milled. According to the British Heart Foundation, the crop makes a brilliant addition to any balanced diet, as it is a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids and polyunsaturated fatty acids.
Including linseed in your diet can help reduce cholesterol and boost overall heart health. Singh also relied on a range of other foods to maintain his well-being throughout his lengthy life, while steering clear of certain things altogether.
Singh added: “Before I leave home, I have plain yoghurt and two glasses of water. Lunch is one chapatti and daal [lentils] made at the gurdwara with yoghurt.
“I won’t touch cauliflower, rice or sweets made of rice as it doesn’t do me any good. At home, I will have whatever is being made with my youngest son and his family. If I don’t like what they’re having, I’ll have toast with jam or honey on it.
“And before I go to bed I will have a glass of warm milk. I also have ginger curry at least once a week which cleanses the body.
“If I feel ill or different, I reflect on what has changed in my diet and routine. I am still active, in a better shape than those who are lazy. They are deteriorating, I am maintaining it so who is the winner?
“Being active is like a medication. I don’t want to withdraw from that medication.”
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