Boston Qualifying Time — Men Ages 65–69
A 4:05 BQ for men 65–69 reflects serious competitive fitness at an age where most people are not running competitively at all. WMA age-grading reveals how demanding this standard is relative to world-record pace for this age group — it is not a consolation milestone.
Quick answer: The 2026 BQ standard for Men ages 65–69 is 4:05:00. This requires an RPI of 37 — equivalent to 25:45 5K fitness. Training paces: easy 10:32/mi, threshold 8:14/mi, interval 7:10/mi. WMA age grade: 65%.
2026 BQ Standard
4:05:00
Men ages 65–69
RPI
37
WMA Grade
65%
Equiv 5K
25:45
Training paces for a 4:05:00 BQ
All zones computed from RPI 37 via the Daniels/Gilbert oxygen cost formula.
Calculated from Daniels/Gilbert oxygen cost equations. Easy pace means “this pace or slower.”
Equivalent race fitness
Predicted equivalent times at other distances for an athlete with RPI 37. Assumes comparable distance-specific training.
5K
25:45
8:17/mi
10K
53:27
8:36/mi
Half Marathon
1:58:31
9:02/mi
Training approach for a 4:05:00 BQ
Men 65–69 who are training toward a BQ should prioritize quality over frequency. Three runs per week with one long run and one threshold session often produces better adaptation than five or six runs with compromised recovery. Sleep and nutrition matter more than at any earlier decade. The aerobic system still adapts — patience with adaptation timelines (slightly longer than at 50) is the required mental adjustment.
Calculate your current training paces
Enter your current race time to see your training zones and how close you are to BQ-level fitness.
Training Pace Calculator
About the BQ cutoff
Running a BQ time opens the registration window — it does not guarantee entry. BAA applies a cutoff buffer each year based on how many runners qualify relative to available field spots. For the most accurate and up-to-date cutoff information, refer to the official BAA registration page at baa.org during the registration window for your target race year.
BQ paces are calculated — your training data makes them personal
The Daniels/Gilbert formula gives the training zones for 4:05:00 fitness. StrideIQ tracks whether your specific training is actually building toward that standard — which threshold sessions produce your best adaptation, how quickly you recover between hard efforts, and when your fitness is peaking. Population formulas start the conversation. Your training data finishes it.
Common questions
What are the training paces for a men's 65–69 BQ of 4:05:00?
For a 4:05:00 marathon BQ (RPI 37): Easy 10:32/mi, Marathon 8:44/mi, Threshold 8:14/mi, Interval 7:10/mi. Easy pace at 10:32/mi or slower allows full recovery. At age 65+, "easy" must mean genuinely easy — not comfortable-hard.
How does a 4:05 marathon age-grade for men 65–69?
A 4:05:00 marathon at age 67 scores 65% WMA age-graded. This is in the competitive masters range — runners at 65–70% WMA are placing in the top third of their age group at major marathon events. The 4:05 standard reflects this competitive positioning, not a lenient participation standard.
Can men in their late 60s still improve marathon times?
Yes — men who add consistent training in their late 60s, particularly easy volume and threshold work, show measurable improvement. The adaptation timeline is longer than in the 50s, and recovery needs are higher, but the physiological mechanisms are intact. Men who have been running consistently for years typically have the aerobic base already; the remaining gains come from better session quality and recovery management.
Other BQ age groups
BQ standards: Boston Athletic Association 2026 (verified 2026-02-26). Training paces: Daniels/Gilbert oxygen cost equations (1979). WMA age-grading: Alan Jones 2025 standards.