Kenyan middle-distance legend Faith Kipyegon came agonisingly close to making history as the first woman to run a mile in under four minutes, clocking an impressive 4:06.42 in Paris on Thursday.
The 31-year-old attempted the feat at the Nike-sponsored ‘Breaking4’ event held at Stade Charléty, running in near-perfect conditions with a team of pacemakers and advanced gear specifically designed to enhance performance. Though her time was 1.22 seconds faster than her official world record, it will not be recognised due to the use of mixed-gender pacemakers and non-standard equipment.
Kipyegon’s existing mile world record of 4:07.64, set in Monaco in July 2023, remains the fastest officially recognised time in history by a woman. Her latest run, however, solidifies her position as one of the greatest middle-distance runners of all time and proves that a sub-four-minute mile for women may soon become a reality.
“This proves it’s possible,” Kipyegon said after the race. “If it’s not me, it will be someone else. I won’t give up. I’ll keep going. I believe I’ll get there one day.”
The double Olympic and triple world 1500m champion raced in a specially designed aerodynamic black skinsuit with strategically placed ‘aeronodes’ to reduce drag, along with lightweight Nike spikes weighing just 85 grams, equipped with a carbon fibre plate and air pockets to maximise propulsion.
Thirteen pacemakers, including British Olympians Georgia Bell and Jemma Reekie, helped guide Kipyegon through the early laps as she chased the green Wavelight pacing system. She hit the third lap in 3:01.84, but her pace dropped slightly in the final 400m, ending just over six seconds shy of the elusive barrier.
After crossing the line, Kipyegon collapsed in exhaustion. She was greeted at the finish by friend and marathon great Eliud Kipchoge, who in 2019 became the first man to run a marathon in under two hours.
Sending a powerful message to young girls and her daughter, Kipyegon said, “We are not limited. Sometimes our own thoughts hold us back, but we can prove to the world that we are strong. Keep pushing.”
More than 70 years after Sir Roger Bannister broke the four-minute barrier for men in 1954, Kipyegon’s pursuit of a similar milestone for women has brought the sporting world to the edge of another frontier.
Raised in a rural Kenyan village and once running barefoot to school, Kipyegon’s remarkable journey from humble beginnings to global stardom continues to inspire millions.
While Thursday’s run won’t go into the record books, it has brought the seemingly impossible one step closer — and for Kipyegon, it’s only a matter of time.
