Boston Qualifying Time — Men Ages 70–74
Men who qualify for Boston at 70–74 represent the pinnacle of masters endurance running. The 4:20 standard, age-adjusted, reflects fitness that a small fraction of the running population at this age achieves. The training and discipline required are genuine.
Quick answer: The 2026 BQ standard for Men ages 70–74 is 4:20:00. This requires an RPI of 34.4 — equivalent to 27:22 5K fitness. Training paces: easy 11:12/mi, threshold 8:43/mi, interval 7:33/mi. WMA age grade: 64.8%.
2026 BQ Standard
4:20:00
Men ages 70–74
RPI
34.4
WMA Grade
64.8%
Equiv 5K
27:22
Training paces for a 4:20:00 BQ
All zones computed from RPI 34.4 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 34.4. Assumes comparable distance-specific training.
5K
27:22
8:49/mi
10K
56:52
9:09/mi
Half Marathon
2:06:03
9:37/mi
Training approach for a 4:20:00 BQ
For men 70–74, consistent easy volume is the foundation. Long runs remain the primary marathon-specific session — building to 16–18 miles at easy pace is still achievable and necessary. Threshold work once every 10–14 days at ${d.paces?.threshold?.mi || 'threshold'} pace maintains the lactate clearance that marathon effort requires. Recovery from every hard session is the primary scheduling concern.
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 4:20:00 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 training paces does a 4:20:00 BQ require for men 70–74?
For a 4:20:00 marathon BQ (RPI 34.4): Easy 11:12/mi, Marathon 9:14/mi, Threshold 8:43/mi, Interval 7:33/mi. Marathon training pace (9:14/mi) is the target for the final miles of long runs. All other miles should be at easy pace or slower.
What WMA grade is a 4:20 marathon for men 70–74?
A 4:20:00 marathon at age 72 scores 64.8% WMA age-graded. At this age, the WMA factor is significantly above 1.0, meaning the standard accounts for substantial age-related performance decline from the open class. Achieving this time represents competitive running by any measure.
What 5K does 4:20:00 marathon fitness equate to for men 70–74?
A 4:20:00 marathon (RPI 34.4) is equivalent to 27:22 5K fitness. This aerobic equivalency illustrates the full fitness profile of a BQ-level marathoner in the 70–74 group — competitive across all distances on an age-adjusted basis.
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.