Can Faith Kipyegon make history in Paris?
On Thursday, Kipyegon will attempt to become the first woman to run a mile in under four minutes. The 31-year-old already owns the world record in the mile, but her personal best is 4:07.64, meaning she will have to cut off 7.65 seconds during her dash to the finish line.
In an effort to shave off those precious seconds, Kipyegon has partnered with Nike for the "Breaking4" event. Each aspect of the chase for greatness — the time, location, training schedule and even Kipyegon's apparel — has been carefully considered in order to give the three-time Olympic gold medalist a chance to set a new standard in the women's division.
Here is everything you need to know about Kipyegon's run, including how to watch the event live.
How to watch Faith Kipyegon 4-minute mile attempt
- TV channel: N/A
- Live stream: Amazon Prime Video
Kipyegon's run will not air on a traditional TV channel. You can stream the "Breaking4" event live on Amazon Prime Video, which is currently offering a 30-day free trial for new subscribers.
Coverage of Kipyegon's run will also be available on Nike's YouTube, Instagram and TikTok accounts.
Faith Kipyegon 4-minute mile attempt schedule, time
- Date: Thursday, June 26
- Start time: 6:15 p.m. BST
The broadcast of Kipyegon's run will start at 6:15 p.m. BST (7:15 p.m. CEST) on Thursday, June 26. The "Breaking4" event will be held at Stade Charlety in Paris.
Can Faith Kipyegon break 4-minute mile?
Kipyegon knows what it takes to set new records, as she currently owns the best times in the mile and 1,500 meters. Still, breaking through this barrier will be a unique challenge.
That's why Kipyegon and Nike have been extremely specific about their preparation and strategy for the event.
She will run on the same track where she broke the previous 1,500-meter and 5,000-meter world records. She will wear custom Victory Elite FK spikes, an aerodynamic "Fly Suit" and a 3D-printed sports bra, per Nike. The pacesetters will be key, allowing Kipyegon to draft behind them.
Kipyegon's time won't be eligible for official record consideration because the event is an exhibition, but she believes her attempt can "empower the next generation."
"You have to dream and go for that dream," Kipyegon said (via The Washington Post). "Just believing in yourself that what a man can do, a woman can do. Every training I do, I am dreaming of what's next in my career."
Fastest women's mile time records
Here are the five fastest women's mile times to date:
| Time | Runner | Date |
|---|---|---|
| 4:07.64 | Faith Kipyegon, Kenya | 21 July 2023 |
| 4:12.33 | Sifan Hassan, Netherlands | 12 July 2019 |
| 4:12.56 | Svetlana Masterkova, Russia | 14 August 1996 |
| 4:13.31 | Genzebe Dibaba, Ethiopia | 17 February 2016 |
| 4:14.30 | Genzebe Dibaba, Ethiopia | 6 September 2016 |