Faith Kipyegon Makes History Despite Missing Sub-4-Minute Mile Goal
On June 26, 2025, Kenya’s middle-distance legend Faith Kipyegon captivated the world as she attempted to break the elusive four-minute mile barrier at a special Nike-sponsored event in Paris. Although she ultimately fell short, clocking an impressive 4:06.42, her performance marked a significant milestone in women’s athletics and reinforced her status as one of the greatest runners in history.
Held at Stade Sébastien Charléty, the event was part of Nike’s “Breaking4” project—a bold initiative mirroring the company’s previous support of Eliud Kipchoge’s historic sub-two-hour marathon. Kipyegon entered the race as the reigning women’s mile world record holder, having set a time of 4:07.64 in Monaco in 2023. The Paris attempt brought together the best of science, sports innovation, and human endurance to push the boundaries of what was thought possible.
Running in specially designed Nike Victory Elite FK spikes, a custom aerodynamic skinsuit, and supported by rotating pacemakers and laser-guided pacing, Kipyegon was given every advantage available outside standard competition rules.
Her opening laps were strong, with splits of 1:00.20 at 400 meters, 2:00.75 at 800 meters, and 3:01.84 at 1200 meters—times that kept her within range of the goal. However, in the final lap, her pace faded slightly, and she crossed the finish line at 4:06.42, visibly drained but met with a standing ovation.
Though the time did not break the four-minute mark, it was still the fastest mile ever run by a woman under non-record-eligible conditions, and faster than her own official world record. Due to the race setup—including male pacemakers, pacing lasers, and a lack of official competitors—the time will not be recognized by World Athletics as a new record.
Speaking after the race, Kipyegon remained optimistic and gracious:
“I gave it everything I had. Breaking four minutes remains a dream, and if it’s not me, I believe it will be another woman soon. This is just the beginning.”
The event drew widespread global attention, not just for the athletic challenge, but for its symbolic meaning. Since Roger Bannister famously ran the first sub-four-minute mile in 1954, no woman has accomplished the same feat. Kipyegon’s attempt has now made the goal more tangible and inspired a new generation of athletes.
Beyond sport, the event also held significance for Nike, which is looking to re-engage female consumers and demonstrate its commitment to women’s athletics. The brand invested in cutting-edge gear and scientific optimization, hoping to highlight female athletic excellence on the world stage.
Read>>Faith Kipyegon’s Bold Pursuit: Breaking the 4-Minute Mile to Inspire the World
While Kipyegon did not break the barrier, her run was a bold, inspiring moment that showcased the evolution of women’s sport. Experts agree that her 4:06.42 performance has narrowed the gap and proved that a sub-four-minute women’s mile is no longer a fantasy—it’s a foreseeable reality. Whether that history-making time will come from Kipyegon or another rising star, the line has been drawn, and the pursuit continues.
