SPORTS
Faith Kipyegon tries for breaking the 4-minute mile, but falls seconds short

UPDATED JUNE 26, 2025 3:12 PM ET
By Scott Neuman


Kenya's Faith Kipyegon reacts at the end of her race after taking part in the "Breaking4" event, in an attempt to become the first woman to run a mile in under four minutes, at Stade Charlety on June 26, 2025 in Paris.
Emma Da Silva/AFP via Getty Images

Kenya's Faith Kipyegon made a valiant attempt to shatter one of track and field's greatest milestones by becoming the first woman to run a mile in under 4 minutes. But the clock doesn't lie — and her time of 4:06.42, while a personal best, came up short.

Even if she had succeeded, the 31-year-old Kipyegon's feat at the Stade Sébastien Charléty track in Paris wouldn't have been recorded in the record books. That's because the Nike-sponsored event is considered an exhibition, so she would not have been eligible for the record.

Supported by 13 pacers, including two women who stayed with her until the half way point and a five-man squad in front known as "the shield," Kipyegon's effort looked strong until the last half lap of the four-lap run.

When she crossed the finish line, Kipyegon collapsed face up as the pacers gathered around her as someone draped a Kenyan flag over her.

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