What is the fastest mile ran by a human?

The fastest mile ever run by a human is 3 minutes, 43.13 seconds, a world record set by Hicham El Guerrouj.

Men's World Record

The current world record for the men's mile run is an astonishing 3:43.13, achieved by Hicham El Guerrouj of Morocco. This remarkable feat was accomplished on July 7, 1999, in Rome, Italy. El Guerrouj's record showcases the peak of human speed and endurance in middle-distance running, setting a benchmark that has remained unchallenged for decades.

Women's World Record

For women, the fastest mile ever recorded is 4 minutes, 7.64 seconds. This incredible world record was set by Faith Kipyegon of Kenya on July 21, 2023, in Monaco. Kipyegon's performance represents a significant leap in women's middle-distance running, pushing the boundaries of what was previously thought possible.

The Mile Run: A Unique Distance

The mile run holds a unique place in athletics. Unlike most track and field distances, which are metric (e.g., 100m, 400m, 1500m), the mile is an imperial distance. World Athletics, the global governing body for athletics, officially oversees and ratifies these world records. Notably, since 1976, the mile has been the only non-metric distance recognized by the international athletics federation for record purposes, cementing its special status in the sport.

World Records at a Glance

Here's a summary of the current world records for the mile run:

These records underscore the relentless pursuit of speed and endurance by athletes striving to redefine the limits of human performance in the iconic mile run. For official and updated records, you can always refer to the World Athletics website for men's records and the World Athletics website for women's records.