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Coverage dated November 9, 2026

Jonathan de Sola Mendes, the oldest person to complete New York City Marathon, dies at 104

Headline from The Boston Globe

Jonathan de Sola Mendes, a decorated Marine Corps aviator in World War II and the Korean War who gave up smoking and began distance running in the 1960s, becoming in 2016, at age 96, what is believed to be the oldest person to complete the 26.

The Boston Globe's own description from its feed. We collect headlines and these descriptions, not full articles; read the original reporting below.

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Reports & sources

2 articles, oldest first.

  1. New York Times

    The Oldest Person to Complete New York City Marathon Has Died at 104 (opens New York Times)

    Published

    New York Times's feed description

    Jonathan de Sola Mendes, a decorated Marine Corps aviator, was 96 when he crossed the finish line in 2016. Then he sipped some Johnnie Walker Black Label.

  2. The Boston Globe

    Jonathan de Sola Mendes, the oldest person to complete New York City Marathon, dies at 104 (opens The Boston Globe)

    Published

    The Boston Globe's feed description

    Jonathan de Sola Mendes, a decorated Marine Corps aviator in World War II and the Korean War who gave up smoking and began distance running in the 1960s, becoming in 2016, at age 96, what is believed to be the oldest person to complete the 26.