Faith Kipyegon smashed Mile world record with 4:07.64 at EBS Herculis

Just six weeks after making history with two world records within eight days, Faith Kipyegon has once again left her mark on the athletic world. With a time of 4:07.64, she shattered the existing world mile record during the EBS Herculis Meeting in Monaco this past Friday (21).

“It was a blessing to do this with these ladies,” Kipyegon said. “I can see that they are all happy for me and it’s so emotional. This is a blessing—it just doesn’t happen every time you run. I have to say, thanks be to God for this. I really enjoyed the race.”

• Read more: EBS Herculis 2023: Monaco Diamond League, live stream, live results, start list
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Kenya’s multiple Olympic and world 1500m champion timed 3:49.11 for that distance in Florence on 2 June, and then ran a 14:05.20 for 5000m in Paris on 9 June.

Faith Kipyegon Returns To Diamond League In Style

Back in Wanda Diamond League action at the Stade Louis II stadium, Kipyegon made history yet again, taking nearly five seconds off the world mile record of 4:12.33, set by her long-time rival Sifan Hassan on the same track in 2019.

Running behind two pacemakers who clocked 400m in 1:01.76 and 800m in 2:04.10, Kipyegon then took the lead and kept pace with the trackside lights indicating world record speed.

She was ahead of the lights at the bell and then accelerated to leave them far behind, crossing the finish line in 4:07.64 and leading the rest of the field to area records, national records, and personal best performances.

“I wanted to chase the world record and, thanks be to God, it was amazing,” Kipyegon added. “And just before the World Championships. I was really looking forward to running here. I have done well in training so far and I just came for it.

“When I started this season, my goal was to just break the 1500 WR. It was still in my head and in my mind. Thank God I also did the 1 mile and the 5000.”

Records and Personal Bests Behind Kipyegon

Ciara Mageean finished second with an Irish record of 4:14.58, placing her fifth on the world all-time list, while Ethiopia’s Freweyni Hailu was third in 4:14.79.

The top eight all finished under 4:17. Nikki Hiltz set a new American record with a 4:16.35, finishing sixth, while her compatriot Elise Cranny ran a personal best of 4:16.47 for eighth place.

The next Wanda Diamond League meeting is in London on Sunday and another star-studded lineup have been assembled. Stay tuned for more news and updates and follow all the Monaco Diamond League.