Skipping Sikh MBE completed his first London marathon at the age of 74.
Rajinder Singh, known by his moniker ‘Skipping Sikh’ for starring in exercise videos that went viral in the pandemic last year, completed the milestone event on Sunday 3 Oct.
His daughter and journalist, Minreet Kaur nominated her father to participate in the sporting event, who inspired Mr Singh to fulfil a “lifelong dream”.
Taking to Instagram to celebrate the victory, Singh posted a picture in front of Marble Arch alongside the caption: “I completed my first @londonmarathon at the age of 74. My daughter @minreet_kaur nominated me and surprised me. This has been a lifelong dream for me and I’m really grateful to have done this today.”
He continued: “Thank you to everyone for your support this would not have been possible without your blessings and love,” and tagged his supporters.
Mr Singh concluded his caption by announcing his next feat: “New York marathon next! 😃.”
The skipping pro, who also turns 75 this month hopes to use his achievement as a chance to encourage everyone, irrespective of age, to stay active.
“I’m looking forward to testing my body and show to people, you’ll never be too late doing anything for a good cause,” he told the BBC
Taking to Twitter, Mr Singh shared a highlight from the marathon that his daughter recorded.
Yesterday’s videos my daughter took at @LondonMarathon 🙏🏽 pic.twitter.com/bODpPwUeoO
— Skipping Sikh MBE (@SikhSkipping) October 4, 2021
Kaur shared the bulk of posts directly in a thread that included both videos and pictures:
1/3 This is what my dad was doing during the @LondonMarathon at 19 miles when I saw him. He was clearing the bottoms, rubbish so other runners don’t trip up. I’ve had an overwhelming number of messages saying how he was skipping in some parts to show children and to everyone he pic.twitter.com/RJTJt3b9Ph
— Minreet Kaur (@minkaur5) October 4, 2021
3/3 just how much people love my dad. He’s made so many smile. I saw how people were stopping to talk to him. He definitely should be someone with his own show, he’s touched hearts ♥️ and I know how much people really respect him. Well done to @SikhSkipping for all that you do! pic.twitter.com/ggtAl9xLNd
— Minreet Kaur (@minkaur5) October 4, 2021
Mr Singh, from Slough in Berkshire, is fundraising for Mencap, a charity that supports those with learning disabilities.