Hong Kong ( CNN ) -- Not your average great-great grandfather , Fauja Singh has completed nine 26-mile ( 42-kilometer ) marathons since taking up long-distance running just over a decade ago . On Sunday , the 101-year-old Sikh finished his final competitive race in Hong Kong , putting an end to a sporting career that has raised thousands of dollars for charity and been an inspiration to many around the world . Nicknamed `` Turbaned Tornado '' by fans for his distinctive traditional headwear , Singh said he began long-distance running in an attempt to lift the depression that engulfed him after he witnessed the death of his son . `` I suffered a tragic incident in my life , a traumatic experience ; I took up running as a new focus in life . And then marathon running developed from there , '' he told CNN at a training session before Sunday 's race . He completed the 10-kilometer route that wound its way along Hong Kong 's harborfront in one hour 32 minutes and 28 seconds -- four minutes faster than his time last year despite a small stumble . `` Five or six kilometers into the race , I really decided to go for it , '' he said . `` I had lots of power today because I was very happy. `` Singh moved to the UK from India following the death of his son and entered his first marathon in London in 2000 aged 89 . In 2011 , Singh became the first centenarian on record to complete a marathon after finishing the Toronto Waterfront Marathon in 2011 in eight hours and 11 minutes and six seconds . He was also a torchbearer for the 2012 Olympics and was featured in Adidas ' `` Impossible is nothing '' advertising campaign . `` He 's focused , determined and single minded ... he 's never set out to break records , '' said his trainer Harmander Singh , who has been coaching him for 13 years . Although the Hong Kong event was Singh 's last competitive race , his coach said the centenarian will still run for pleasure . `` He 's my best student , I would say , which is ironic because he 's twice my age . '' As he hangs up his running shoes , Singh told CNN he had no secret diet or training regimen . He attributed his success to a simple love of the sport . `` It 's because of the happiness I get out of it . If something makes you happy , you 'll do it well . '' CNN 's Aloke Devichand , Elizabeth Joseph and Diego Laje contributed reporting in Hong Kong .
Fauja Singh , 101 , completes final race in Hong Kong . The great , great grandfather has run 9 marathons . Took up long-distance running after death of son . Attributes success to love of the sport .