Boston Marathon eyeing more qualifying changes

BOSTON (AP) -- The Boston Marathon's biggest problem these days might be that it's too popular.

The world's oldest annual 26.2 mile race is looking at its qualification process to try to make sure the best runners are able to register. This year's field of 27,000 filled up in about eight hours, shutting many people out.

A new, rolling admission for 2012 will allow those with the best times to register earlier. And lower qualification standards will be considered for 2013 and beyond.

Boston Athletic Association head Tom Grilk says making it harder to get into the race will make it more rewarding for those who qualify. For now, men under age 34 have to run a qualifying race in 3 hours, 5 minutes. The time is 3 hours, 35 minutes for women.

This year's 115th edition of the Boston Marathon is Monday.