Faith Kipyegon missed out on the four-minute mile but broke her own world record as she starred in Breaking4 and Nike’s quest to help the Kenyan athlete create history as the first woman to breach the mythical mark.
The star-studded event in Paris saw Kipyegon run the iconic distance, just over four laps of the track, in an official time of 4:06.42.
The event was inspired by Kipyegon’s compatriot, Eliud Kipchoge, who shattered the two-hour barrier in the marathon with a similar experiment, known as Ineos 1:59 Challenge, in Vienna in 2019.
The marathon legend was there in France to support, alongside Team GB star Georgia Hunter Bell, who won bronze at the Paris Olympics in the same race that saw Kipyegon storm to gold at the Stade de France.
Relive the action from the Stade Charlety in our live blog below:
Breaking 4: Faith Kipyegon attempts to run under four minutes for the mile
- Faith Kipyegon missed out on the four-minute mile but broke her own world record over the distance
- The Kenyan athlete finished with an official time of 4:06.42
- Elite pacers helping Kipyegon included compatriot Eliud Kipchoge, who performed a similar experiment to break two hours for the marathon
- Team GB athletes Georgia Hunter Bell and Jemma Reekie also part of Kipyegon's team of pacers
Faith Kipyegon gave it absolutely everything
20:30 , Will CastleFaith Kipyegon ran the mile in 4:06.42 💨
— ESPN (@espn) June 26, 2025
She might not have hit the sub four-minute goal today, but it was more than a second faster than her world record 👏
(📹 Nike) pic.twitter.com/KmbTYqtl4P
WATCH: Faith Kipyegon pays tribute to mentor Eliud Kipchoge
20:15 , Will CastleSir Roger Bannister: Middle-distance runner who achieved immortality with world's first four-minute mile
20:00 , Will CastleThe fascination with the four-minute mile started when Sir Roger Bannister broke the mythical mark all the way back in 1954.
While more than 2,000 men have since followed suit, Faith Kipyegon took womankind as close to that barrier than ever.
Here’s a deeper dive into the story of Bannister:
Sir Roger Bannister, obituary: Middle-distance runner who achieved the first four-minute mile
Olympic champion Faith Kipyegon misses out on four-minute mile but unofficially breaks own world record
19:45 , Will CastleThree-time Olympic champion Faith Kipyegon has failed in her bid to become the first woman to run a mile in under four minutes.
Kipyegon clocked in at 4:06.42 at the Stade Charlety in Paris, missing out on the fables mark but beating her own world record of 4:07.64 over the distance.
However, it’s a new time that won’t be recognised by the international federation due to the fact the Nike-sponsored Breaking4 event was unofficial, with the Kenyan athlete wearing specially-made “super” shoes to try and break the four-minute barrier.
Full report:
Kipyegon falls agonisingly short of becoming first woman to break four-minute mile
Keep the Faith!
19:30 , Will CastleThe barrier hasn’t been broken... but we’ve edged closer to it!
Chasing history, creating legacy 💜
— World Athletics (@WorldAthletics) June 26, 2025
Still the fastest mile run by a woman in history, @Kipyegon_Faith gives everything in her quest to break the 4️⃣ minute mile and stops the clock at 4:06.42.
Thank you, Faith, for making us dream.
Maybe not today, but soon…😤 pic.twitter.com/Px9xTqNA9S
Keely Hodgkinson: 'She's got aura'
19:23 , Will Castle“She’s got big strides and she’s got aura,” Hodgkinson said. “She gave it everything.
“I loved that she said if it’s not her, it could be someone else. It’s that important message that she’s opened that barrier, she’s left a legacy, whether it happens or not, people will think ‘maybe it is’. We’re going to work even harder to get close to it.”
Faith Kipyegon hailed as she enjoys lap of honour
19:20 , Will CastleThe crowd is showing the appreciation Faith Kipyegon deserves as she rounds the Stade Charlety with the Kenya flag on her back.
Faces smiling, bells ringing, people inspired. Kipyegon has shown that the four-minute mile, while in tact, is not impossible.
🚨 FINAL TIME: 4:06:42 🚨@Kipyegon_Faith | #Breaking4 pic.twitter.com/hMWlijPK2U
— Sports (@Sports) June 26, 2025
Kipyegon: 'I've proven that everything is possible'
19:15 , Will Castle“Exhausted,” Kipyegon said when asked how she was feeling. “I feel good that I tried. That’s why I came, to be the first woman under four minutes.
“I’ve proven it is possible, it’s only a matter of time. If it’s not me it’ll come to someone else.
“I will not lose hope and I will still go for it. Thank you for coming and cheering me. This was special, I was not expecting this many people. I’ve proven to the world that anything is possible.”
Yes you have, Faith. She might’ve missed out on the four-minute mile, but there isn’t a frown in the place. Dare to try!
AND ACROSS THE LINE! Faith Kipyegon breaks own world record but misses out on four-minute mile
19:12 , Will CastleYou miss 100 per cent of the shots you don’t take!
Faith Kipyegon breaks her own world record on the mile but misses out on the four-minute mile.
She was bursting as she crossed the line and fell to her back, congratulated by her pacers.
Official time of 4:06.42. An unbelievable effort.
FINAL LAP TO GO!
19:09 , Will CastleShe’s chasing the lights, chasing the pacers, chasing history!
At the bell, she’s 3:01.84, but she’s still with the green lights. A smaller group to try and keep the wind at a minimum.
HERE WE GO!
Halfway to history
19:08 , Will CastleThe female pacers have stepped off but Kipyegon is looking relaxed as she stays by those green lights - right where she wants to be.
COME ON FAITH!
One lap down
19:08 , Will CastleKipyegon is one lap down staying in line with the green pace lights on the inside of the track.
She’s surrounded by pacers and is into her rhythm.
AND WE'RE OFF!
19:06 , Will CastleFaith Kipyegon’s attempt at a sub-four minute mile is UNDERWAY!
Faith Kipyegon is HERE!
19:05 , Will CastleFaith Kipyegon comes out to an anthem synonymous with continent of Africa - Waka Waka by Shakira - and her entrance is met by a ROAR from the crowd in attendance.
Seconds to go until we’re underway.
Here come the pacers!
19:02 , Will CastleFaith Kipyegon’s team of pacers are making their way out one by one!
They’ve got a big task on their hands - history could be about to be written...
T-minus FIVE minutes until Faith Kipyegon's shot at history!
19:00 , Will CastleRight folks, the time is nearly upon us.
Faith Kipyegon’s shot at becoming the first woman to run the four-minute mile is expected in the next five or so minutes.
Who doesn’t like catching a piece of sporting history? Get comfortable, because this is something you do not want to miss!
Kipyegon’s bid to break the four-minute mile, next.
'Tonight we dream'
18:50 , Will CastleFaith Kipyegon is ready to do what has never been done by womankind...
Tonight we dream. 💜#Breaking4 pic.twitter.com/fEVqtEUJgU
— Faith Kipyegon, EGH🇰🇪 (@Kipyegon_Faith) June 26, 2025
Faith Kipyegon on crossing the line with Eliud Kipchoge in support
18:40 , Will Castle“It will be lovely to see Eliud after the finish line,” said Kipyegon.
“I get positive messages from around the world that I can do it. It really motivates me a lot going on to this challenge. I know it will not be easy, but I’m going to try my best and we will see what the finish line offers.”
Faith Kipyegon ready to 'cement her legacy'
18:30 , Will CastleFaith Kipyegon's already a three-time Olympic 1,500-meter champion. She’s already the world-record holder in the mile and 1,500.
Next on her to-accomplish list: Become the first woman to break the 4-minute mile barrier.
“I think breaking four will really cement my legacy,” Kipyegon said last week.
“The next generation is looking up to us to show them the way and this is what I’m doing now. Everything we do, we have to dream big and just believe in ourselves that we could do it.”
Olympic champion Faith Kipyegon tries to become 1st woman to break 4-minute mile next week in Paris
Team GB bronze-medallist Georgia Hunter Bell among those supporting Faith Kipyegon
18:15 , Will CastleAlongside Kipchoge, Team GB star Georgia Hunter Bell will be there to support Kipyegon, who won bronze at the Paris Olympics in the same race that saw the Kenyan storm to gold at the Stade de France.
What help will Faith Kipyegon have?
17:30 , Will CastleMuch like compatriot Kipchoge had in setting his marathon mark, Kipyegon will enjoy some assistance as she bids to dip below four minutes.
A new generation of “super shoes” - incredibly light but springy spikes - are being tested on Nike athletes having already helped runners both recreational and elite smash their best times, while the Kenyan is also expected to have a number of male pacemakers at her disposal to help her draft, reducing wind resistance.
The middle-distance runner has been training at altitude ahead of the attempt and will wear a special running suit and sports bra, both utilising new technology.
Her effort at Stade Charlety will not count as an official record given the assistance of “super shoes” and male pacers yet will be eagerly watched - much like Eliud Kipchoge’s sub-two hour marathon in Vienna in 2019, an effort that helped inspire this challenge.
How can I watch Faith Kipyegon's shot at history?
17:15 , Will CastleFans around the world can tune in to on Nike’s YouTube and Instagram, with coverage from 6.15pm BST.
A documentary charting Kipyegon’s efforts will also be available to watch on Amazon Prime Video after the event.
When is Faith Kipyegon’s four-minute mile attempt?
17:00 , Will CastleFaith Kipyegon will attempt to become the first woman to run a mile in under 4 minutes on Thursday 26 June at a special event at Stade Charlety in Paris. The Nike-backed bid is expected to take place at about 7pm BST.
The inspiration for tonight's historic event
16:09 , Will CastleThe event is inspired by Kipyegon’s compatriot, Eliud Kipchoge, who shattered the two-hour barrier in the marathon with a similar experiment, known as Ineos 1:59 Challenge, in Vienna in 2019.
The marathon legend will be in France to support, alongside Team GB star Georgia Hunter Bell, who won bronze at the Paris Olympics in the same race that saw Kipyegon storm to gold at the Stade de France.
Faith Kipyegon bids to break four minute for the mile
15:04 , Jack RathbornWhen is Faith Kipyegon’s four-minute mile attempt?
Faith Kipyegon will attempt to become the first woman to run a mile in under 4 minutes on Thursday 26 June at a special event at Stade Charlety in Paris. The Nike-backed bid is expected to take place at about 7pm BST.
How can I watch it?
Fans around the world can tune in to on Nike’s YouTube and Instagram, with coverage from 6.15pm BST. A documentary charting Kipyegon’s efforts will also be available to watch on Amazon Prime Video after the event.
