I don’t pay much attention to the roadies, but I couldn’t overlook this note from Osaka: “Seteng Ayele , a 52-year-old Israeli, is the oldest competitor in history to finish any event at the IAAF World championships . . . He placed 19th in the men’s marathon with a time of 2 hours, 22 minutes, 27 seconds. He emigrated from Ethiopia in 1991. According to his biography posted on IAAF’s Web site, he has won 31 national titles in his career. Ayele’s personal-best time in the marathon is 2:14.21, set in Venice, Italy, on Oct. 26, 2003.”

On August 25, Amy Shipley of The Washington Post mentioned our M50 kid in her marathon story:

American marathon runner Fernando Cabada Jr., who finished 50th of 57 finishers in 2:35:48, mysteriously dropped to the ground to rest before addressing a cluster of reporters. When he arose slowly, a runner from Israel who was standing next to Cabada flat-out toppled over. Track officials rushed over to carry off the runner, Seteng Ayele, as Cabada leaned on the fence for support.

The Koops’ German masters site and others raise questions about Seteng’s age, however.
Here’s a rough translation of the German post:

The Israeli Ayele was set-closely the oldest with the WM-Marathon in Osaka in goals marathoners of WM-history come. Officially it is 52 years old. In a memorable heat run the native Äthiopier in 2:22,27 reached hours place 19. For confusion however in past result lists the variations of its name provided: The master runner is well-known also under the names Setegne and Satayin. A mystery gives also the age indication up, it is 52. While, which had fought for 2004 in Athens rank 20, with the olympic plays states set-closely, to be 46 years old, its official date of birth is indicated as 11 April 1955 – therefore he would evenly be 52. Set-closely, father of seven children, meant even in addition: “My age says that I am old, but my heart is young.” The choice Israeli wants to start in the rest of also with the olympic plays 2008 in Peking.

But an authoritative Israeli track statnut, David Eiger, also lists Seteng as 52.
Still, here’s a report that should give IAAF bio-keepers pause.
EarthTimes says:

Ayele Seteng of Israel became the oldest finisher in athletics world championship history at age 52, according to the ruling body IAAF. There are no official records but Seteng, who collapsed after crossing the finish line, must have eclipsed the mark of 50-year-old Haile Satayin.
Both are marathon runners, and, in fact the same person. Seteng is sometimes also named Setegne.
In addition, all three of them claim to be only 46 years old, but that they – or better he – have no intention of going to court over it in Israel which is required for such action.
His official birthdate is given as April 11, 1955.
“My age is old, but my heart is young,” he once famously said.
No exact reason has ever been given for the various names or the age difference. He was called Haile Satayin in the 2005 worlds starting list, but Seteng in the results then and on Saturday. The name Setegne appeared in the bibliographical start lists Saturday.

On the Track & Field News message board, a poster with the handle doug091463 wrote:

When he ran his 1407 for 5k and 21659 for the marathon he himself said he was 7 years younger than the birth date iaaf has for him. my question is then why does the iaaf not change his birth date? nevertheless even if he is 45 that is still great under the conditions as is mbarek hussein in his 40’s getting 21st. i think ayele would know his age better than the iaaf. but at my age and in a mid life crises and state of denial, i want to believe 52 year olds can accomplish these performances Very Happy

Another issue is where Seteng makes his home, since 2007 Boston Marathon results show him as a Massachusetts resident.
BTW, the listed M50 age-group world record is 2:19:29 by South Africa’s Titus Mamabolo in 1991.