The Boston Marathon is open to runners 18 or older from any nation, but they must meet certain qualifying standards.

The 32-year-old Christie is the oldest runner to ever win the men's 100 meters in the Olympics.

He was 26th among 1,690 finishers and shattered his own world record for a runner 70 or older by more than four minutes.

Snell also said the marathon offered an excellent proving ground for older runners.

An old and threadbare runner covered the narrow hall floor.

Begins Sunday at 11 a.m.; opens to runners 12 and older.

But there are Masters events for runners 40 and older in five-year age groups.

His comfort and confidence as an older runner continue to grow.

"I once won a trophy for oldest runner when I was 47," he said.

Late in the race they might be passed by a tall, graceful young girl, her long legs eating up the distance as older runners tired.