Sage's video of coz makes sense. Well of coz age matters, the tables i posted also show just that. Physiological factors would include VO2max and like what you said recovery and yada etc. 5k difference between 50-55 and 25-30 is already nearly 2 mins diff. or something like i can train and run 18-19 mins then the younger hotshot better be doing 16-17 mins. lol
In fact i have seen 1 amateur youtuber with low subscriber count doing mid 17 mins and he is age 60...not pouplar one, .he isnt those Ben is Running or Nick Bester folks. So while rare, it is possible to train till that level, genetics willing of coz.
But then of coz asking me or even SRY @ 50 years of age to do 14+ or even 15+ mins range would be mission impossible. Just that I feel the max potential is higher than what people normally think it is. Usually the limit is dictated by other factors and not coz of age or even genetics.
Im trying to find 1 Run Elite vid who managed to illustrate this very well....let me say
For pros, i feel reach age 30 or even mid 30s does not mean it's end game for professional sports players, at least for a fair number of them. Still can be (very) competitive. For amateurs like we all, i'd say even age 35-40 still way up there if train properly, the potential is still very high and is higher than what normal folks normally think it is. That is why got the vid below
I like this vid and always post it. (for motivation).

No excuses. Also part of the reason why i really got serious into doing strength.
Remember,
NO EXCUSES. (of coz don't overtrain, that is another animal, and over-excercising is real)