Faith Kipyegon Clocks 4:06.42 in Paris, Falls Short of Historic Sub-Four-Minute Mile

Faith Kipyegon, the Kenyan middle-distance runner and world record holder, has fallen short of achieving a historic sub-four-minute mile at Nike's Breaking4 event in Paris. 

Despite failing to break the barrier, her time of 4:06.42 represents the fastest mile ever recorded by a woman, even though the conditions of the attempt mean it will not be recognised as an official record. The Breaking4 event, held at Stade Charléty, was meticulously designed to optimise Kipyegon's performance, employing advanced technology and strategic pacing. Nike provided aerodynamic racewear, Wavelight pacing technology, and custom-built spikes. 

An entourage of thirteen pacemakers, including elite athletes such as Britain's Georgia Hunter Bell and Jemma Reekie, maintained an aggressive pace throughout the race. Kipyegon's performance reveals a strategic race, passing the 800-metre mark in approximately 2:00.75. She maintained her momentum, completing the third lap in 3:01.84. However, the final 400 metres, completed in 64.6 seconds, proved decisive, pushing the sub-four-minute target out of reach. Despite this, the time betters her own world record of 4:07.64 set in 2023.

The effort does not qualify as an official world record due to the parameters of the race, which do not align with World Athletics regulations. Specifically, the use of both male and female pacemakers, specialised equipment, and a non-traditional racing format precludes official recognition. Following the event, Kipyegon expressed both satisfaction and determination, saying, "I feel good; I've tried. I have proven what's possible. It's only a matter of time, and I know one day a woman will run under 4 minutes. If it is not me, it will be someone else." 

Kipyegon dedicated her run to aspiring female athletes, "This one was for all the young girls and women out there, to show that you have to believe in yourself in everything you do." She added that the Breaking4 attempt should show others "that we have to push ourselves."

The event included Eliud Kipchoge, Kipyegon's training partner and the first man to break the two-hour marathon barrier, who held the finishing tape. His presence emphasises the shared ambition within Nike's Breaking series, fostering a culture of striving for peak human performance across various athletic disciplines. Remaining optimistic, Kipyegon affirmed her intention to continue pursuing the sub-four-minute mile, "Even without these conditions, I will still go for it." She adds, "I will not lose hope; I will still go for it. I hope I will get it one day."