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Athlete. Kenyan. Mother of one. Faith Kipyegon is a three-time Olympic gold medalist for the 1500 meters who simultaneously holds the world record for being the fastest woman to run a mile in 4:07.64. Those are inspiring stats alone, but then the 31-year-old took on a new challenge last week: to run a mile in less than 4 minutes.
It sounds impossible, but Kipyegon has broken world records before. And in support of Kipyegon’s attempt to be the first woman to run a sub-4 minute mile, Nike hosted a group of content creators, photographers, videographers, and journalists (including Glamour) from around the world to witness the historic event in Paris.
The brand’s Breaking4 event involved three days of programming and activations that included a team run (in partnership with Paris run club, 8lines) as well as panels with middle-distance runners Keely Hodgkinson, Halimah Nakaayi, and others.
But the main event was on Thursday, when hundreds of people stood inside Stade Charléty stadium waiting to witness history. All around, the phrases “Breaking4” and “Faith Kipyegon vs. The 4-Minute Mile” were projected for all to see, making the athlete’s presence known across the stadium and throughout Paris. When Kipyegon came onto the track, thunderous applause and screams of “Faith, Faith, Faith” reverberated throughout the entire arena. As a new runner, I couldn’t help but feel inspired by Kipyegon. Being in the stadium with hundreds of supporters and seeing the Kenyan flag raised high with pride was deeply moving and made me realize: If she can do this, there’s nothing I can’t do either.
Faith committed to the race, and Nike committed to her success. The brand decked Kipyegon out in the latest innovations for the event. She wore custom made-for-speed attire that included a first-of-its-kind Nike Fly Suit with aerodynamic materials to help her conserve energy, paired with the Nike FlyWeb Bra to limit heat and manage moisture. Her Nike Victory Elite FK spikes were the finishing touch—built to her exact specifications, the shoes are lighter than anything she's ever worn before. Intentionally researched and designed, everything Kipyegon put on was made specifically for this groundbreaking moment at Breaking4.
“Sports bras have never looked or felt like this before,” said Janett Nichol, VP of Nike Apparel Innovation. The material is soft, light, and incredibly supportive—yet it also feels like you’re not wearing anything at all.”
On the track, Kipyegon stood alongside the fellow athletes who helped her prepare and train for this day, which included Olympic medalists Georgia Hunter Bell and Grant Fisher. Their presence was a testament to the fact that running isn’t a solo sport, but a real team effort.
And at 8:07 p.m., she was off!
Her lap split was 1:00.20, 2:00.75, and 3:01.84—ultimately finishing only a few seconds short of her goal, at 4:06.42. As she came down the track for the last time, the stadium erupted in screams, yells, and chants celebrating her new personal best that left her on the floor in amazement. Immediately, her team surrounded her in love and celebration. Wrapped in the Kenyan flag, Kipyegon took a victory lap to celebrate with fans lined all around.
While Kipyegon’s time of 4:06.42 didn’t technically generate a new world record because she ran with pacers, which is considered an advantage and cannot be taken into account when granting world records, it was still a win: She remains the world record holder for the 1500 meters, and her new landmark time is quicker than her previous world record of 4:07.64. This further cements her status as the fastest woman to run a mile in history and the first to attempt the 4-minute barrier alone.
Ultimately, this experience was about more than beating a record. At a reception hosted by Nike the following morning, Kipyegon spoke about what this accomplishment means as a mother and for her 7-year-old daughter, Alyn.
“I talked with my daughter yesterday before I was going to the track,” the athlete said. “I told her I'm going to run again this time, and I will give it all. And she was proud of me. She called me this morning, and she was very happy that I inspire her to dare to dream and make it in life.”
In honor of Faith's attempt and impact on young girls around the world, Nike announced that the brand is building a maternity ward in Kenya near Nakuru County. Upon hearing this, Faith was visibly shocked and emotional, saying, “It's our dream as mothers to hold our babies on our hearts. After carrying your baby for nine months in your stomach, you are not happy to lose her, so this will help many mothers in my community.”
Faith Kipyegon attempted the impossible, the never-done-before for a female athlete. In doing so, she proved that you should never stop challenging yourself. You have to keep pushing for the legacy you want to leave behind.
For young women and girls around the world, she is proof of how perseverance, courage, and determination can get you within reach of your dreams. Now, she is one step closer to achieving her target while inspiring other women to attempt the same.
