- Faith Kipyegon clocked 4:06.42 at the Nike Breaking4 mile attempt event that was held in Paris.
- The time that Kipyegon set at the Nike Breaking4 event was faster than her current world record of 4:07.64 that she set in Monaco a few months ago.
- Kipyegon was seeking to become the first woman in history to run a mile in less than four minutes.
Kenyan runner Faith Kipyegon came close to making history on Thursday, June 26, 2025 at a Nike Sponsored event dubbed “Breaking4” that was staged at the Stade Charléty in Paris, France.
Kipyegon, a multiple Olympic Games 1500m champion, displayed sheer will but unluckily missed the target of running a mile in under four minutes.
Sandwiched between pacemakers, Kipyegon blazed towards the finishing line as the crowd cheered her on.
Faith Kipyegon fails to run a mile in under four minutes at the Nike Breaking4 event
The reigning 5000m world champion went on to cross the finishing line in an impressive time of 4:06.42.
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The mark that Kipyegon set will not be officially recognized by the World Athletics because of the use of male pacers, which is against the current rules.
However, her performance was not just a new world record; it was a paradigm shift that redefined what is possible in women’s sports.
In addition, the unforgettable display from Kipyegon will serve as a beacon of hope for millions of people in different corners of the world, proving that with discipline, hard work and determination, humans, particularly young girls, can break any barrier.
Speaking shortly after the race, Kipyegon disclosed that she will still try to run a mile in under four minutes in the near future.
She also took the opportunity to appreciate all the people that took time to cheer for her in the historic event.
“I feel good. I have tried. I have proven it is possible. I know one day one time, a woman will run under four minutes. If it’s not me, it will be somebody else.
I know one day, one time a woman will run 4:00. I will not lose hope. I will still go for it. I hope I will get it. I want to thank everyone for cheering for me,” she commented.
Halimah Nakaayi showers Faith Kipyegon with praises
Meanwhile, Ugandan runner Halimah Nakaayi described Kipyegon as a super woman who continues to inspire many individuals.
“She is a super, wonderful woman. Full of motivation, and she has motivated very many. I am sure what Faith has so far achieved will inspire generations and generations.
She is such an hard working woman, who keeps on pushing beyond her limits. It’s such an incredible moment,” explained Nakaayi.
Eliud Kipchoge & other Kenyans who traveled to Paris to show support to Faith Kipyegon
Kipyegon received a lot of support from the organizers of the event, family and her training mates.
Her husband, Timothy Kitum, who won a medal for Kenya at the 2012 London Olympic Games, and veteran marathon runner Eliud Kipchoge are some of the Kenyans that traveled to Paris to cheer for Kipyegon.
Others included Kapseret Member of Parliament (MP) Oscar Sudi, and director of youth development at Athletics Kenya (AK) Barnabas Korir.
After the Breaking4 attempt, Kipyegon is expected to return home, take a few days rest, before she starts preparing for the Diamond League races including the Prefontaine Classic that is scheduled to be held on July 5 in Eugene, United States.
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