93-Year-Old Sikh Runner Gets Endorsement Deal With Adidas Sportswear

March 30, 2004

Source: Evening Standard

http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/lifeandstyle/fashion/articles/9978399?source=Evening%20Standard

On March 30, 2004 the Evening Standard reported, "First they recruited David Beckham. Then they got England rugby hero Jonny Wilkinson in on the act. Now sportswear firm adidas has unveiled a world-beating marathon runner as its new sporting idol. But Fauja Singh is no designer label heartthrob. He is a 93-year-old from Redbridge who took up running only four years ago, and will be the oldest competitor in the Flora London Marathon on Sunday 18 April. Since 2000, Mr. Singh has run six marathons - four in London - and in that time has knocked 82 minutes off the nonagenarian marathon world record of five hours, 40 minutes and four seconds...Mr Singh jogs at least 10 miles a day. He covers six miles every morning and runs errands for friends. He is a devout Sikh, and runs between temples and community centres in east London to visit friends and relatives. Mr. Singh meditates daily and swears by the medicinal qualities of ginger curries. He will not reveal the size of his deal with adidas but admits it provides him with shoes and running wear. He gives any money he makes to charity."