Boston Qualifying Time — Women Ages 35–39
Women 35–39 are often at their peak marathon performance years. The endurance component of marathon running develops late, and the patience and pacing discipline that comes with running experience make this decade highly productive. The 3:30 standard is demanding and achievable.
Quick answer: The 2026 BQ standard for Women ages 35–39 is 3:30:00. This requires an RPI of 44.6 — equivalent to 21:58 5K fitness. Training paces: easy 9:08/mi, threshold 7:17/mi, interval 6:23/mi. WMA age grade: 63.1%.
2026 BQ Standard
3:30:00
Women ages 35–39
RPI
44.6
WMA Grade
63.1%
Equiv 5K
21:58
Training paces for a 3:30:00 BQ
All zones computed from RPI 44.6 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 44.6. Assumes comparable distance-specific training.
5K
21:58
7:04/mi
10K
45:34
7:20/mi
Half Marathon
1:41:01
7:42/mi
Training approach for a 3:30:00 BQ
Marathon training for women 35–39 follows the same structural priorities as the open class: high easy volume, threshold quality, and 20-mile long runs. Slight adjustments toward recovery — spacing quality sessions by 5 days rather than 4 — are appropriate. Women at this age often find their most consistent training yet, aided by the discipline and body awareness that comes with experience.
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 3:30:00 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 3:30:00 women's 35–39 BQ require?
For a 3:30:00 marathon BQ (RPI 44.6): Easy 9:08/mi, Marathon 7:43/mi, Threshold 7:17/mi, Interval 6:23/mi, Repetition 5:55/mi. Your marathon training runs target 7:43/mi. The majority of weekly volume accumulates at 9:08/mi or slower.
Can women in their late 30s achieve a first BQ?
Yes — women who set their first BQ in their late 30s are common at Boston. Many women reach their strongest marathon performances in their mid-to-late 30s. The aerobic base from years of running combines with mature race-day judgment. A structured 20-24 week build is typically the missing piece, not fitness ceiling.
What 5K fitness does a 3:30:00 marathon BQ represent?
A 3:30:00 marathon (RPI 44.6) projects to 21:58 5K fitness. This gives a useful cross-check: if you are running near this 5K time, your aerobic capacity supports the BQ. Distance-specific preparation (long runs, marathon pace) is still required to convert that capacity to the full marathon.
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.