Faith Kipyegon aims to break 4-minute mile barrier in historic attempt in Paris: 'Have faith'

Kenya’s golden girl, Faith Kipyegon, will take on one of the toughest records in athletics tonight, running a mile in under four minutes, a feat no woman has ever achieved.

The historic attempt is set for 8 p.m. on Thursday, June 26, at the Stade Charléty in Paris. The race is part of Nike’s daring “Breaking4” challenge, inspired by the iconic “Breaking2” marathon project.

With the world watching, Kipyegon will lead an elite field of women in what could become one of the greatest moments in track history.

Let's have Faith ?#Breaking4 ❤️ pic.twitter.com/zsp9eVQAnl

— Faith Kipyegon, EGH?? (@Kipyegon_Faith) June 25, 2025

Conditions for the race have been optimised for speed, including dedicated pacemakers and advanced pacing technology, to give her the best shot at smashing the four-minute barrier.

Eliud Kipchoge, who has been a mentor for Kipyegon at the pair’s training camp in Kenya for years, wished her well as she prepared for the record breaking fete.

In a post Kipchoge wrote a letter to Faith, wishing her all the best on the race.

“Dear Faith, you have dared to dream, you have dared to think, and now you have dared to break the 4-minute mile. All the best; go for it. Yours in sport, Eliud Kipchoge”

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A post shared by Eliud Kipchoge - EGH?? (@kipchogeeliud)

Kipyegon is no stranger to breaking limits. Often hailed as the greatest female middle-distance runner of all time, the 30-year-old boasts a glittering CV:

Triple Olympic champion in the 1500m (Rio 2016, Tokyo 2021, Paris 2024)

Double world champion in the same event

World record holder in three disciplines set in 2023:

1500m (3:49.11)

Mile (4:07.64)

5000m (14:05.20)

Born in Bomet County, Kenya, Faith’s journey began barefoot, running through the highlands as a child. Her rise through the junior ranks was meteoric, driven by incredible finishing speed, sheer discipline, and a powerful mindset.

Despite global fame, Kipyegon remains grounded, often crediting her success to her family, country, and the young girls in rural Kenya who look up to her.

But tonight’s race is more than a shot at another world record. It’s a challenge to long-held limits in women’s sport.

Breaking the 4-minute mile has been a holy grail in athletics, and if Kipyegon succeeds, she will not only make history but also inspire a generation to dream without boundaries.