Faith Kipyegon ran the slowest 1500m of her 2025 season so far on Friday in Monaco, yet the Olympic champion left the track with her trademark calm.
What happened in Monaco?
Kipyegon clocked 4:02.61 to finish sixth at the Herculis meeting on 18 July 2025, her slowest time since June 2024. The Kenyan star’s winning streak over 1500m and the mile remains intact this season, but she called the Monaco result “a good lesson.” The race was won by Ethiopia’s Gudaf Tsegay in 3:54.87, with Kenya’s Mary Moraa second in 3:56.83.
Why it matters for Faith Kipyegon
Kipyegon has not lost a 1500m final since August 2023, yet she frames Monaco as useful work. “I’m not worried,” she told reporters after the race. “I know what I’m building toward.” Her next target is the Kenyan trials in April 2026, where she’ll chase a third straight Olympic berth.
What comes next?
Kipyegon’s camp has penciled in the World Indoor Tour final in Birmingham on 21 February 2026, then the World Championships in Tokyo in September 2026. “We’re not racing for records now,” said her coach, Patrick Sang. “We’re racing for rhythm.” The plan is to peak in Paris next summer, not Monaco.
How rivals reacted
Tsegay’s win underlined her rise as Kipyegon’s closest challenger. “I’m happy with the time,” Tsegay said. “But Faith is still the one to beat.” Moraa, the 2024 world indoor bronze medalist, added: “I’m getting closer.” Kipyegon’s 2025 season record stands at 1:56.85 over 800m and 3:50.50 over 1500m indoors.