M70-74: Tatsuno takes it in San Francisco

• Dean Tatsuno (Cupertino, CA, age 73) won the M70-74 race in 54:48 (17:38/mi avg).
• Frank Lai (Dollard-Des Ormeaux, age 70) finished 2nd in 58:30 (18:50/mi avg).
• The margin between them: 3 minutes, 42 seconds.

With just two men toeing the line in the M70-74 field, the 2023 San Francisco Marathon 5K still had a genuine contest to settle — and Dean Tatsuno settled it decisively. The 73-year-old from Cupertino crossed in 54:48 at a 17:38/mi pace, putting clear daylight between himself and his lone competitor across a cool, overcast San Francisco morning.

Frank Lai, the 70-year-old making the trip all the way from Dollard-Des Ormeaux, finished in 58:30 at an 18:50/mi pace — a full 3:42 back. That gap reflects a meaningful difference in pace across the 5K, with Tatsuno running over a minute per mile faster on average. Lai's presence from across the continent, however, speaks to the draw of this race.

Credit to both men for competing at 70 and 73 respectively, navigating San Francisco's streets in 57°F and 85% humidity. Tatsuno owns this one outright.