Faith Kipyegon of Kenya, who has been almost untouchable in the 1500 meters over the past two years and has won two Olympic gold medals and two world titles in the event, finally has the one honor that had so far eluded her: the world record.
The 29-year-old Kipyegon ran 3:49.11 at the Diamond League meet on June 2 in Florence, Italy. She broke the previous mark, 3:50:07, run by Genzebe Dibaba of Ethiopia in 2015, by almost a second.
Two American 800-meter specialists paced Kipyegon to her historic victory. Brooke Feldmeier led through 400 meters in 62.37 seconds, and Sage Hurta-Klecker took over during the second lap, running 61.63, for an 800-meter split of 2:04.00. Both Americans then stood by the side of the track, watching the rest of the race.
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Kipyegon was trailed by Laura Muir of Great Britain, the 2021 Olympic silver medalist, and Jessica Hull of Australia. But by 1200 meters, which Kipyegon passed in 3:05.20 (after a 61.28-second lap), her lead over Muir was almost 2 and a half seconds.
Kipyegon ran the last 400 meters of the race in 58.81 seconds. The pacing lights, set at world record pace on the inside rail, fell behind her as she charged around the final turn. She grimaced slightly in the final 100 meters, but barely slowed after she crossed the line. As she looked at the clock and registered what she had done, she pointed at it, then tumbled to the track in happiness and celebration.
Muir was second in 3:57.09, nearly 8 seconds behind Kipeygon. Hull was third in 3:57.29, an Australian record.
As Kipyegon did a victory lap, her competitors waited on the track for her to celebrate. Ciara Mageean of Ireland, who was fourth in 4:00.95, picked her up in a bear hug. “I am so happy for Faith,” Muir said after the race.
Faith Kipyegon, center, who is well-liked by her competitors, celebrates with them after her world record.
Kipyegon came agonizingly close to the world record last August, when she ran 3:50.37 at the Diamond League meet in Monaco. She now holds two of the three fastest times in history.
Sarah Lorge Butler is a writer and editor living in Eugene, Oregon, and her stories about the sport, its trends, and fascinating individuals have appeared in Runner’s World since 2005. She is the author of two popular fitness books, Run Your Butt Off! and Walk Your Butt Off!
