Faith Kipyegon reaffirmed her dominance in middle-distance running after capturing her second consecutive Athlos crown with a record-breaking performance in New York. The Kenyan star blazed to victory in the women’s mile with a time of 4:17.78, the fastest mile ever run on US soil.
The Athlos competition, often described as the “Super Bowl” of track and field, is an exclusive women-only professional series that brings together the world’s best athletes. This year’s edition, held at Icahn Stadium on October 9 and 10, 2025, featured a world-class line-up including Ethiopia’s Gudaf Tsegay, American record holder Nikki Hiltz, and Kenya’s Susan Ejore-Sanders.
Kipyegon, who won the 1500 metres during the inaugural edition in 2024, returned with determination to defend her title. She powered through a competitive field to secure victory, finishing ahead of Tsegay, who clocked 4:19.75, and Hiltz, who placed third in 4:32.51. The fierce rivalry between Kipyegon and Tsegay once again delivered an electrifying spectacle, underscoring the event’s growing prestige.
This triumph adds another chapter to Kipyegon’s glittering career. Earlier in the season, she broke the world record in the 1500 metres at the Prefontaine Classic and narrowly missed becoming the first woman to run a sub-four-minute mile in Paris, setting a new world best in the process. At the World Championships in Tokyo, she claimed her fourth world title in the 1500 metres and shared the 5000-metre podium with compatriot Beatrice Chebet, further cementing her legacy as one of the greatest middle-distance runners of all time.
Winners at Athlos received $60,000 (Sh7.7 million), with an additional $250,000 (Sh32.2 million) reserved for any world record performances. The prize money was disbursed immediately after official confirmation of results through a partnership with CashApp.
Kipyegon’s historic run sparked celebrations back home in Kenya, where fans and leaders alike hailed her achievement. Her victory not only highlighted Kenya’s enduring dominance in distance running but also inspired a new generation of athletes. Faith Kipyegon’s continued excellence on the global stage serves as a shining example of perseverance, talent, and national pride.
