Faith Kipyegon falls just short of a four-minute mile but proves it possible

On 26 June 2025, at the Stade Charlety in Paris, Faith Kipyegon set out to attempt something no woman had ever achieved: a mile run in under four minutes. The Kenyan, already one of the greatest middle-distance runners in history, took on the challenge in a specially organised exhibition event built around helping her run as fast as humanly possible.

Kipyegon crossed the line in 4:06.42. While that came up short of the four-minute barrier, it was a remarkable time, faster than her own official world record in the event. Because the meeting was an unofficial, sponsor-backed exhibition rather than a sanctioned competition, the run could not be ratified as a record. The setup included a team of 13 elite pacesetters, eleven men and two women, positioned in front of and behind her to reduce drag, alongside the Wavelight LED pacing system on the track's inside.

“The Kenyan, already one of the greatest middle-distance runners in history, took on the challenge in a specially organised exhibition event built around helping her run as fast as humanly possible.”

Despite falling short of the headline goal, Kipyegon framed the day as a success and a beginning rather than an ending. "I gave everything today to try; it was not about running a tactical race. It was the first trial," she said. "I have proven that it's possible." Her words captured the spirit of the attempt, which was as much about expanding belief in what is achievable as about the clock.

For young runners around the world, particularly girls who rarely see women pushing at the absolute frontiers of the sport, the image of Kipyegon chasing a barrier once thought unthinkable carried lasting value. The four-minute mile remains unbroken for women, but after Paris it no longer feels impossible, only a matter of time and continued ambition.