Some world records last for years or even decades, but others fall in just a matter of days. This was the case for the men’s indoor mile record, which was broken on Thursday by Norwegian middle-distance runner Jakob Ingebrigtsen. He clocked a time of 3:45.14 in Liévin, France, surpassing Yared Nuguse’s freshly set record by more than a second.
In addition to beating Nuguse’s 3:46.63 from the Millrose Games in New York City on Saturday, Ingebrigtsen, a two-time Olympic gold medalist, also set a new indoor 1,500-meter record during the same race, passing through the distance in 3:29.63.
“The main goal was to run under 3:30 for the 1,500 meters and then try to maintain the pace or not slow down too much in the final turn and the home stretch,” Ingebrigtsen explained. He had previously set the indoor 1,500m record at 3:30.60 three years ago. “I’m happy with the result,” he added.
“It’s a bit of luck to have the chance to break both records in the same race, especially when the results turn out so well,” Ingebrigtsen commented.
This was Ingebrigtsen’s first indoor race of the season and his first-ever indoor mile. The 24-year-old led the race for much of the eight laps, running solo for most of the 200-meter track.
By the end of the race, Jakob Ingebrigtsen had established a commanding lead, finishing approximately 50 meters ahead of the competition. He crossed the line over seven seconds faster than second-place finisher Stefan Nillessen of the Netherlands and third-place Cathal Doyle of Ireland.
This performance contrasted with Yared Nuguse’s race at the Millrose Games the previous weekend, where he was closely challenged by his fellow American, Hobbs Kessler. Both men ran faster than the previous indoor mile record, which had stood for six years.
Ingebrigtsen, who also holds the 3,000m world record and the world best times for the two-mile and 2,000m, continues to show dominance in middle-distance running.
The upcoming season promises an exciting rivalry in middle-distance events, especially with competitors like Nuguse, Great Britain’s Josh Kerr, and USA’s Cole Hocker. Their rivalry will likely intensify leading up to the world championships in Tokyo this September.
At the 2024 Paris Olympics, Ingebrigtsen faced disappointment in the 1,500m, finishing fourth behind Hocker, Kerr, and Nuguse, with Hocker claiming a surprise gold. However, Ingebrigtsen redeemed himself by securing gold in the 5,000m shortly after.
“This race was about testing myself, checking on my training progress, and evaluating my fitness,” Ingebrigtsen shared. “I’m fortunate to be in a position where I can follow a solid plan and execute it well to achieve great results.”
According to World Athletics, Ingebrigtsen is the first athlete since John Landy of Australia in 1954 to set world records for both the mile and 1,500m in the same race. His achievements will be officially recognized once ratified by the governing body.