100-year-old marathoner denied world record title

Toronto - Fauja Singh, the 100-year-old marathoner who ran for eight hours in last week's waterfront race, is being turned down as the oldest runner to finish a marathon by the Guinness World Book of Records. Despite completing his goal, Singh's claim was denied.

Guinness World Books reportedly told the BBC they cannot recognize Singh as the oldest runner because there is no birth certificate from 1911. Singh's passport from the U.K. shows his birthday as April 1, 1911, but another notice from Indian government officials state no birth records were kept during that year. Not even a letter from the Queen congratulating the centenarian on his 100th birthday seemed to help him get his world record. As he neared the finish line, Singh was cheered on by large crowds, where family and friends also joined him. Prior to the 42 km race, he set multiple records in shorter track and field distances, including the hundred metre dash and 5000 metres. World Masters Athletics are being said to recognize those records for Singh.