A Marathon in Memory of Fauja Singh

About 15 years ago, Fauja Singh became the first 100-year-old to ever run a marathon. Inspired, I began running marathons, too. His inspiration changed my life.

This year Fauja Singh Ji died at the age of 114. We had developed a special relationship that I'll cherish forever.

I haven't run a marathon in seven years, and it's been five years since I've run a half-marathon. I'm not in the greatest shape. And when my friend Ricky called and invited me to run a marathon, I hesitated. Would I be ready? Could I still do it?

But then Ricky said the magic words: "Do it for Fauja Singh Ji."

And that's all it took.

Or at least, that's all it's took to get me to sign up. Now comes the hard part, a few months of training and eating healthy and getting my body ready for this challenge. I'm excited and a little nervous.

Babaji always talked about health: physical health, mental health, spiritual health. He started running after battling depression, onset by the tragic death of his son. He exercised daily and often ascribed his long life to his simple, nutritious diet.

Raising funds for New York-Presbyterian feels like a worthy legacy in Fauja Singh Ji's name. Will you please consider donating? I'm grateful for your support in whatever form it comes—kind words, monetary donations, or directed prayers—as I embark on this new journey.

sincerely yours,

simran