Arnie ‘the Turbanator’ laces up for London with 600 marathon man Jagjit

• ‘Arnie the Turbanator’, 66, has completed 120+ marathons in four continents
• Arnie + friend Jagjit will run for people living at Symonds House in Hitchin, managed by disability charity Leonard Cheshire
• Jagjit will run his 600th marathon in London on Sunday 26 April 2026 

Arnie, whose full name is Gurbir Singh Parmar, began running in his early fifties. This month he will complete a mighty seven London Marathons and 121 long-distance races.  

Arnie says: “This year will be truly amazing, running with my friend Jagjit in his 600th marathon. What an incredible achievement!”  

The two friends are running in aid of Symonds House, a care home in Hitchin for up to 20 disabled adults. Arnie, was a volunteer driver at the Leonard Cheshire residential home. A family connection remains among the hardworking care staff, with his sister-in-law Narinder working there as a Team Leader.  

Arnie says: “I’m really buzzing to run with Jagjit and I’m delighted we’re doing it for Leonard Cheshire, a charity close to my heart. I enjoyed talking to people living at Symonds House and helping people get out and about. I’m happy to help them again.”  

Jagjit adds: ““It’s really nice because Arnie has always encouraged me a lot. So it’s great to complete my 600th marathon with my friend as a kind of celebration. And I’m really pleased to run for Leonard Cheshire. Knowing we’re helping others gives us extra energy.”  

Arnie has completed marathons on four continents and plans to run a further 100 marathons in the next three years. Arnie still looks up to the achievements of his friend, who has previously completed seven marathons on seven continents in seven days.  

Arnie reflects: “Locally, people are kind enough to call me a running legend. Among marathon obsessives, my friend Jagjit really is a legend. It’s incredible. He will carry on after this, but he wants to do the 600th marathon somewhere special. London is one of the best races in the world with the best atmosphere in the world. It will be brilliant!”  

Jagjit Singh, 66, manages an in-flight catering business at Heathrow Airport, and is also a London Borough of Hillingdon councillor. Inspired by the long-distance running achievements of his father in India, Jagjit is thrilled at the prospect of reaching 600 marathons.

He says: “There’s no better place to do this. London Marathon is my favourite marathon. The crowd, the people, cheering from the start to the end, it gives you such a boost. So the London Marathon is my special day every year, and especially this year! We’re looking forward to celebrating with our family and friends.”

Sponsor Arnie and Jagjit and back the pair’s unbelievable efforts for Leonard Cheshire.

Media enquiries 

Contact Nick Bishop via nick.bishop@leonardcheshire.org or 07784194659 Alternatively, particularly on Fridays, please contact other members of the communications team: Isaac Corrick via isaac.corrick@leonardcheshire.org or Rob Boyland via robert.boyland@leonardcheshire.org  

Out of hours: 07903 949 388.

About Leonard Cheshire  

One in four people in the UK are disabled. 

For more than 75 years, we have worked directly with disabled people to give them the freedom to live their lives the way they choose with the opportunity to fully take part in society.  

Today, our staff provide social care services that support around 1,000 disabled people across the UK.

In addition to offering high-quality care and community support, we lead campaigns to influence government to implement legislation that positively benefits the lives of disabled people.

About Symonds House

Symonds House is a spacious and modern residential home for disabled adults in Hitchin, Hertfordshire. It provides high-quality person-centred care for up to 20 people, supporting them to live their lives as they choose.

Links for Arnie and Jagjit

To sponsor Arnie and Jagjit and back the pair’s unbelievable efforts for Leonard Cheshire, head to Arnie's fundraising page and Jagjit's fundraising page.

Arnie is also a keen member and current vice-chairman of Hitchin Running Club.