Boston Qualifying Time — Women Ages 70–74
A 4:50 Boston qualifier for women 70–74 is among the most impressive achievements in recreational running. The WMA age grade for this performance reflects genuine elite masters fitness. Women in this group are outliers by almost any measure of athletic longevity.
Quick answer: The 2026 BQ standard for Women ages 70–74 is 4:50:00. This requires an RPI of 30 — equivalent to 30:41 5K fitness. Training paces: easy 12:56/mi, threshold 9:55/mi, interval 8:33/mi. WMA age grade: 67.5%.
2026 BQ Standard
4:50:00
Women ages 70–74
RPI
30
WMA Grade
67.5%
Equiv 5K
30:41
Training paces for a 4:50:00 BQ
All zones computed from RPI 30 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 30. Assumes comparable distance-specific training.
5K
30:41
9:53/mi
10K
1:03:50
10:16/mi
Half Marathon
2:21:19
10:47/mi
Training approach for a 4:50:00 BQ
Women 70–74 training toward a BQ are managing recovery as the central variable in every training decision. Long runs of 14–16 miles at easy pace are the primary marathon-specific preparation. Threshold work every 10–14 days maintains the aerobic ceiling. Sleep quality, nutrition, and the spacing of all hard efforts determine whether training produces improvement or fatigue.
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 4:50:00 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 4:50:00 BQ for women 70–74 require?
For a 4:50:00 marathon BQ (RPI 30): Easy 12:56/mi, Marathon 10:31/mi, Threshold 9:55/mi, Interval 8:33/mi. At age 72, the easy pace (12:56/mi) is the foundation of all training. Marathon training pace (10:31/mi) is reserved for the final miles of the longest runs.
What WMA grade is a 4:50 marathon for women 70–74?
A 4:50:00 marathon at age 72 scores 67.5% WMA age-graded. The substantial WMA age factor for this age group means that achieving this absolute time represents competitive performance by masters running standards. This is not a low bar — it requires the aerobic engine of a trained endurance athlete.
What half marathon equivalent does 4:50:00 BQ fitness represent?
A 4:50:00 marathon (RPI 30) is equivalent to 2:21:19 half marathon fitness. This cross-distance check is useful for benchmarking aerobic capacity as marathon preparation progresses.
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.