Faith Kipyegon Pushes Boundaries in Historic Sub-4 Minute Mile Attempt in Paris
In a highly anticipated event that captivated the athletics world, Kenyan superstar Faith Kipyegon made a valiant attempt to achieve one of running’s most sought-after milestones: becoming the first woman in history to run a mile in under four minutes. While the triple Olympic champion ultimately fell short of the sub-four mark, her performance delivered a significant moment, clocking the fastest time ever recorded by a woman over the distance.
The attempt unfolded on Thursday, June 26, 2025, at Stade Charléty in Paris, France, as part of a special Nike-sponsored initiative dubbed the “Breaking4” project. Despite a determined effort under near-perfect conditions, Kipyegon crossed the finish line in 4 minutes, 6.42 seconds.
Fastest Time Ever, But Not an Official Record
While her time of 4:06.42 represents a substantial improvement on her own official women’s mile world record of 4:07.64, set in Monaco in July 2023, it will not be ratified by World Athletics as a new world record. This was anticipated due to the specific conditions of the “Breaking4” event.
The attempt utilized a range of aids not permissible under standard competition rules. This included a large team of pacemakers (specifically 13, comprising 11 men and 2 women, including notable athletes like Grant Fisher, Cooper Teare, Jemma Reekie, Georgia Hunter-Bell, and Stewart McSweyn) running in specific aerodynamic formations designed to shelter Kipyegon and reduce drag. Furthermore, she wore bespoke Nike Victory 2 spikes with advanced features and a specially designed aerodynamic speed suit with ‘aeronodes,’ gear that had not undergone standard verification by the governing body. The event itself was not licensed under standard World Athletics protocols.
How the Historic Attempt Unfolded
Kipyegon’s bid to shave over seven seconds off her existing record was a punishing effort from the start. Aided by the Wavelight system guiding her target pace, she began aggressively, hitting the 400-meter mark in a swift 60.02 seconds and reaching the halfway point (800m) in 2:00.75.
However, the immense challenge of maintaining the required sub-60-second per lap pace became evident as the race progressed. By the 1000-meter mark (2:30.68), Kipyegon showed visible signs of strain. She passed the bell for the final lap in 3:01.84, needing a closing lap under 58.16 seconds to break four minutes. Despite the support of pacers, including one positioned on her outside right to act as a wind shield in the crucial final moments, she was unable to find the necessary speed, completing the final 400 meters in just over 65 seconds.
Undeterred: Kipyegon Remains Optimistic
Emerging from the challenging run, Kipyegon looked exhausted, collapsing onto the track surrounded by photographers. Yet, her post-race comments reflected a deep sense of accomplishment in having made the attempt and an unwavering belief in the future.
“I’m exhausted, I feel tired, but I feel good that I’ve tried,” the 31-year-old shared. She firmly believes that the sub-four-minute mile is achievable for a woman. “I’ve proven that it’s possible and it’s only a matter of time,” Kipyegon stated. “If it’s not me, it will be somebody else. I know one day, one time a woman will run under 4:00. I will not lose hope. I will still go for it.”
Viewing the event as a valuable learning experience, she added, “This was the first trial. I’ve learned many lessons… I will go back to the drawing board to see where I can improve.” Her message extended to her daughter and young girls watching: “We are not limited… it is possible to try everything and prove to the world that we are strong. Keep pushing.”
Joining a Legacy of Breaking Barriers
The quest for the four-minute mile holds legendary status, famously broken by Great Britain’s Sir Roger Bannister in 1954 (3:59.4), a feat considered akin to climbing Mount Everest at the time. In the same month, compatriot Diane Leather became the first woman to break the five-minute barrier. Since Bannister, nearly 2,000 men have achieved the sub-four mile, with the current men’s record standing at 3:43.13 (Hicham El Guerrouj, 1999).
For decades, the sub-four-minute mile for women was seen as physiologically impossible. Kipyegon, already a dominant force with three Olympic 1500m gold medals and multiple world titles, has brought this once-unthinkable barrier into the realm of possibility with her relentless pursuit and previous record-breaking performances.
The “Breaking4” event in Paris drew a crowd of several thousand spectators and notable guests, including legendary sprinter Carl Lewis and Kipyegon’s mentor and training partner, marathon world record holder Eliud Kipchoge, who held the finish tape as she crossed the line – a parallel to his own historic sub-two-hour marathon run under special conditions.
While Faith Kipyegon’s name isn’t yet etched into the record books as the first woman under four minutes, her courageous attempt in Paris has solidified her status as a pioneer and further fueled anticipation for the day when this historic barrier finally falls. With her determination unwavering, the running world watches to see if she, or perhaps another athlete inspired by her push, will achieve the next great milestone in the mile.
