Run into the inspiring story of a 100-year-old marathoner who proves that faith, courage, and a bright turban can take you far—no matter your age.
Length
🕛 37 mins
Host
🎙️ Laura Menousek
Release Date
April 30, 2025
What’s Inside This Episode
Meet Fauja Singh—also known as the “Turbaned Tornado.” From being unable to walk as a child to running marathons past age 100, his story shows how faith, determination, and kindness can help us do amazing things. Learn why he wears a turban, what the Sikh faith teaches, and how you can take on this week’s active challenge!
For Parents and Educators
Learning Themes:
- Perseverance, resilience, and late-in-life success
- Introduction to Sikh beliefs and culture
- Understanding religious clothing and identity
- Respecting diversity and promoting inclusion
Suggested Uses:
- Great for homeschool world religions unit
- Use the story of Guru Nanak for SEL (empathy and service)
- Pair with a physical activity challenge for kinesthetic learners
Bonus Tip: Start a “Belief Backpack Journal” where kids write or draw the treasures they collect from each episode—this builds a visual and emotional connection to each lesson.
Printable Activities
Fauja Singh: Marathon Man Mini Coloring Book
Fauja Singh: Marathon Man Mini Coloring Book is a powerful children’s book celebrating perseverance, Sikh traditions, and real-life hero Fauja Singh, the oldest marathon runner. Perfect for teaching kids about resilience, faith, and multicultural heroes.
Fauja’s Fun Run (or Walk) Challenge
Get kids moving and thinking positively with Fauja’s Fun Run (or Walk) Challenge — a printable 7-day activity pack inspired by marathon hero Fauja Singh. Fun, fitness, and perseverance for kids ages 5–10!
Langar Chana Masala
Celebrate service and strength with a kid-friendly Langar Chana Masala & Coconut Rice recipe inspired by Fauja Singh’s Sikh values.Sikh langar recipe for kids
Books to Explore Together
Note: This section contains affiliate links. If you click and buy, we may earn a small commission—at no extra cost to you. Thanks for supporting Faithfully Explore!
Fauja Singh Keeps Going: The True Story of the Oldest Person to Ever Run a Marathon
By Simran Jeet Singh
Meet Fauja Singh—who didn’t learn to walk until he was five, but ran a marathon at over 100! This inspiring picture book shares his incredible true story, his Sikh faith, and the power of perseverance. A joyful read about believing in yourself, no matter your age or obstacles.
The Many Colors of Harpreet Singh
By Supriya Kelkar
Harpreet expresses his feelings through the colors of his patka—until a move to a new school makes him hide his bright shades. This gentle story explores emotions, friendship, and identity, while introducing young readers to Sikh traditions with warmth and empathy.
Cloth Crown
By Deanna Singh
When a young Sikh boy is teased for wearing his patka, he wonders if he should cut his hair. A heartfelt talk with his father helps him rediscover the pride and strength in his identity. This powerful story opens up conversations about culture, resilience, and the meaning behind Sikh traditions—perfect for building empathy and understanding.
Turbaned Tornado: The Oldest Marathon Runner Fauja Singh
By Khushwant Singh
Dive into the inspiring true story of Fauja Singh, the Sikh athlete who ran a marathon at age 100. This biography offers a deeper look at his life—from early challenges to record-breaking runs—rooted in faith, resilience, and quiet strength. A powerful read for older kids, teens, and adults exploring perseverance, identity, and the Sikh tradition.
The Sikhs
By Khushwant Singh
A thoughtful and accessible introduction to Sikhism—its history, beliefs, and vibrant identity. Acclaimed author Khushwant Singh guides readers through the origins of the faith, its tenets, Gurus, and traditions like the turban and the five Ks. Perfect for families, educators, and anyone curious about Sikh values of service, equality, and courage.
Backpack Bonus: Quick Belief Facts
🎒 Endless Running Shoes – Take one step at a time and believe in yourself
✨ Glow of Peace Pebble – Pause, pray, or think something kind
💧 Fauja’s Water Bottle – Care for your body and stay energized
These treasures remind us to move our bodies, steady our minds, and stay strong with hope and heart.
Listener Shoutouts
“I didn’t know people could run marathons at 100 years old. Fauja is cool.”
— Mateo, Age 10
“I liked the part where we ran in place. I did it next to my dog and he thought I was playing with him!”
— Sophie, Age 7
“Hi Miss Laura! I liked when you said Fauja Singh runs while talking to God. I talk to my stuffies like that.”
— Lexie, Age 5
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💬 Join the Conversation
- “One thing I learned about Fauja Singh that inspired me was…”
- “My favorite part of Fauja’s marathon journey was…”
- “I tried the ‘Fauja’s Fun Run’ Challenge and it made me feel…”
- “In my family, we show determination or kindness by…”
- “The story of how Fauja kept going taught me that…”
👉 Share your thoughts below! We’d love to hear how you’re running with courage, kindness, and perseverance in your own way!
8 responses to “Episode 4 | The Turbaned Tornado: Meet Fauja Singh”
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Listened to the Fauja Singh episode with my 9-year-old—really thoughtful and well done. It sparked a good conversation about perseverance and faith. Appreciate how these stories make big ideas accessible for kids.
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Hearing you had a discussion after listening makes my heart happy! I’m glad that you and your child are having conversations inspired by the show.
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Best episode yet! My kids were so inspired by Fauja Singh’s story—they couldn’t believe someone ran a marathon at 100! We’re using it in our homeschool this week to talk about perseverance, faith, and staying active.
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When I saw the kids book about Fauja I knew his story had to be one of my episodes for Faithfully Explore!
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Are you going to do any Christianity themed episodes?
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Yes! I’m trying to balance different belief systems. Christianity was briefly spotlighted in our prayer episode and you can expect more coming up.
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It is inspiring to hear about how an 89 year old can still make dreams become reality and set records in the process.
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It really is! What is your dream?
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