Paris, June 26, 2025: Kenya’s middle-distance phenom, Faith Kipyegon, will attempt history today at Stade Sébastien Charléty in Paris: to become the first woman ever to run a mile in under four minutes—and stand to earn a KSh 13 million (US $100,000) bonus offered by Alexis Ohanian’s women-only league, Athlos
The Moonshot
Already the world-record holder in the women’s mile (4:07.64, set in Monaco, July 2023), and also a world record-holder in both the 1,500 m (3:49.04) and 5,000 m (14:05.20), Kipyegon is no stranger to elite achievement But to dip below 4:00, she’ll need to shave nearly eight seconds off her best—an enormous leap in middle-distance running.
This is not a standard championship race. The “Breaking4” event—sponsored by Nike and inspired by Eliud Kipchoge’s Breaking2/1:59‑project—will employ a carefully crafted approach: male and female pacers employing advanced drafting strategies, a moonshot-worthy aerodynamic “speed suit,” and state-of-the-art spikes (Nike Victory Elite FK) and 3D-printed gear designed to reduce drag
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The Science
Research from CU Boulder (published in Royal Society Open Science) models that with just the right pacer formation, Kipyegon could potentially break the barrier with a projected time of 3:59.37
- A pair of pacers—one ahead, one behind—could slash air resistance for nearly 76% of the race.
- Enhanced aerodynamics (track alignment, drafting “wedge,” and minimal wind drag) further increase her chances
All‑Female Effort, Inspired by History
Kipyegon hopes not only to make history but to inspire women and girls worldwide. She’s said:
“What a man can do, a woman can do.”
Nike emphasizes this as a “moonshot” mission—not just a race, but a whole-of-science effort encompassing physiology, biomechanics, gear innovation, mental preparation, and promotional storytelling .
Bonus Incentive & Broader Support
Beyond Nike’s backing, Athlos, a female-track-focused league founded by Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian, has put forward the KSh 13 million prize to reinforce the mission and reward this barrier-breaking attempt
What’s at Stake
- Official Record? No. Since pacemakers are involved, the result won’t count for World Athletics. But the goal is proof of possibility, similarly to how Kipchoge’s 1:59 marathon paved the way to a new world record
- If she misses—even by seconds— it’ll still mark a major stride toward the sub‑4 barrier, and likely spur further innovations and indicate that women’s performance is closer than ever .
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Watching Live
The event is available to stream on Prime Video and Nike’s YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, Douyin channels—set to begin at about 7:15 PM local time (1:15 PM ET)
Why It Matters
- Gender break: The mile barrier has long been viewed as a boundary unreachable by women; Kipyegon is now pulling it within grasp.
- Innovation testbed: This trial centers female physiology research, gear design, and pacing strategies—trailblazing for women’s sport science
- Inspiration engine: A successful attempt—even if unofficial—could ignite a wave of progress, sponsorship, and belief among female athletes globally.
Who Is Faith Kipyegon?
- Born January 10, 1994 in Bomet, Kenya. Coached by Patrick Sang.
- Only woman to win three consecutive Olympic golds in the 1,500 m (2016, 2020, 2024).
- Holds world records in the 1,500 m, mile, and 5,000 m
The Takeaway
Faith Kipyegon’s “Breaking4” is more than a race—it’s a cultural milestone, blending elite athleticism, scientific rigor, engineering, and advocacy. Whether she breaks four minutes or not, her attempt stands to reshape perceptions, empower female athletes, and fuel future record-challenging performances.
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