Faith Kipyegon, Kenya’s celebrated middle-distance queen, is set to take on one of athletics’ greatest barriers: running a mile in under four minutes. As she steps onto the track at the Stade Charléty in Paris on Thursday, June 26, all eyes will be on her as she chases history and a remarkable financial bonus.
The reigning world record holder in the women’s mile, Kipyegon currently boasts an impressive 4:07.64 mark, achieved during the 2023 Diamond League in Monaco. Now, the double world champion in both the 1500m and 5000m events is pushing herself beyond previously imagined limits, aiming to become the first woman in history to go sub-four minutes over the mile distance.
Adding a new dimension to this already monumental challenge is the promise of a significant financial incentive. Alexis Ohanian, tech entrepreneur and husband to tennis icon Serena Williams, has publicly pledged a reward of over KSh 12 million ($100,000) should Kipyegon break the four-minute barrier. This offer mirrors Ohanian’s support for women’s athletics, following his contributions to similar high-performance initiatives in previous meets.
The event, part of a broader campaign to elevate women’s achievements in athletics, has attracted global attention. Fans can witness the action live from the stadium, with doors opening at 6:30 p.m. East African Time. Kipyegon’s race is expected to begin at 9 p.m. Those unable to attend physically will be able to stream the event via Nike’s YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, and Douyin platforms, as well as Prime Video starting from 8:15 p.m. A replay of the race will also be available for global audiences.
In addition to the live coverage, Kipyegon’s journey is set to be immortalized through a limited-series documentary. The film, produced in partnership with Box To Box Films, will offer fans a behind-the-scenes look at her preparations, mindset, and training leading up to this historic attempt. The series will be available in over 11 languages, aiming to inspire a global audience and spotlight the rise of women in elite athletics.
Already a three-time Olympic gold medalist and the first athlete to win back-to-back-to-back Olympic 1500m titles, Kipyegon’s legacy is unmatched. This mile challenge, however, represents more than personal glory it is a moment for Kenya, for women’s sport, and for the next generation of athletes who dare to dream big.
As the countdown to the race begins, Faith Kipyegon is not only chasing a record. She’s chasing history, with the chance to etch her name into the pantheon of the greatest ever to grace the track.
