Kenyan running icon Faith Kipyegon delivered another historic performance on Friday, October 10, 2025, winning her second Athlos NYC crown and clocking the fastest women’s mile ever on U.S. soil. Kipyegon finished the race at Icahn Stadium in New York City with a time of 4:17.78.

The Athlos NYC is an invitational track meet exclusively for elite women athletes, distinguished by its significant prize money, athlete-centric approach, and modern event production that often incorporates music and DJ performances.

Season of Triumphs

Kipyegon, a three-time Olympic champion and five-time world champion, has had an exceptional 2025 season. Her stellar year began in late April at the Diamond League meeting in Xiamen, where she ran the 1000m in 2:29.21. This performance set a new meeting record and was the third-fastest time in history for the distance, narrowly missing the world record.

Reflecting on her achievements, Kipyegon expressed gratitude and pride, particularly after defending her 1500m title for the fourth time at the World Championships in Tokyo in September 2025. "First, I want to really thank God; this has always been my dream, to defend my 1500m title for the fourth time. Everyone out there was so talented; I knew I had to dig deeper than ever. Crossing that line and realising I had won again was truly special. But what made it even greater was seeing my teammates right there, too, gold and silver for Kenya. Such a proud moment for all of us," Kipyegon stated on Wednesday, September 17, 2025.

Athlos NYC: A Lucrative Platform for Women Athletes

The Athlos NYC event, founded by Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian, aims to elevate women's track and field by offering substantial financial incentives. Winners in each event at Athlos NYC receive a prize of USD 60,000 (approximately KSh 7.7 million), with instant payouts facilitated by a partnership with Cash App. The total prize purse for the event is a remarkable USD 663,000, making it one of the highest-paying women-only track events globally. Additionally, a USD 250,000 bonus is offered for any new world record set at the meet.

Kipyegon's victory at Athlos NYC marks her second consecutive win at the event, having also triumphed in the inaugural edition in 2024 with a time of 4:04.79 in the 1500m.

Historical Context and Continued Dominance

Faith Kipyegon's career is marked by consistent excellence. She is the world record holder for both the 1500 metres and the mile. She is also the only athlete to win three consecutive Olympic gold medals in the 1500m, achieving this feat at the 2016 Rio, 2020 Tokyo, and 2024 Paris Olympics. Her four World Championship titles in the 1500m (2017, 2022, 2023, and 2025) further solidify her status as one of the greatest middle-distance runners of all time.

What to Watch Next

Kenyans will be keenly watching Kipyegon's continued pursuit of breaking the four-minute barrier in the mile, a challenge she has openly embraced. Her consistent record-breaking performances and dominance in middle-distance events suggest that more historic achievements are likely in her future.

Evidence/Data Box

• Event: Athlos NYC, Women's Mile
• Date: Friday, October 10, 2025 (East Africa Time)
• Location: Icahn Stadium, New York City, USA
• Result: Faith Kipyegon won with 4:17.78, fastest women's mile on U.S. soil.
• Prize Money for Winner: USD 60,000 (approx. KSh 7.7 million).
• World Record Bonus: USD 250,000.
• Previous 2025 Season Highlight: 1000m in 2:29.21 at Xiamen Diamond League, April 26, 2025 (third-fastest in history).
• World Championship Titles (1500m): 2017, 2022, 2023, 2025.
• Olympic Gold Medals (1500m): 2016, 2020, 2024.