Running News Daily

Georgia Hunter Bell delivered the performance of her indoor career, running a world-leading 4:00.05to win the women’s 1500 meters at the World Athletics Indoor Tour Gold meeting. Showing poise, tactical awareness, and a devastating finishing kick, the British star confirmed her arrival as one of the world’s top middle-distance runners.

The breakthrough came on February 7, 2026, in Karlsruhe, Germany, where a deep international field gathered on one of Europe’s fastest indoor tracks. The race unfolded at a strong but controlled pace, with Ethiopia’s Gudaf Tsegay and Birke Haylom helping ensure honest early splits. Hunter Bell remained composed throughout, positioning herself carefully in the lead group and conserving energy while others tested the pace.

With just over 300 meters remaining, she made her move. Smoothly accelerating into contention, Hunter Bell surged into the lead as the bell sounded for the final lap. Her stride remained efficient and relaxed as she powered down the final straight, pulling clear of the field and crossing the line in 4:00.05, the fastest indoor 1500m run in the world so far in 2026.

Gudaf Tsegay finished strongly to claim second place, while Birke Haylom secured third in another impressive performance for Ethiopia. Great Britain’s Laura Muir, one of the most accomplished championship racers in the field, finished fourth, and American Heather MacLean rounded out the top five

Hunter Bell’s performance marks a major milestone. Breaking the four-minute barrier indoors places her among the fastest women in the world and highlights her steady progression into the global elite. Her ability to execute a disciplined race plan and deliver a decisive finishing kick demonstrates the maturity required to compete at the highest level.

As the indoor season continues toward championship competition, this victory establishes Hunter Bell as a serious contender. Her world-leading performance in Karlsruhe sends a clear signal that she is entering the prime of her career and is ready to challenge the best in the world.

Women’s 1500m — World Indoor Tour Gold, Karlsruhe — February 7, 2026

1. Georgia Hunter Bell (GBR) — 4:00.05 (World Lead)

2. Gudaf Tsegay (ETH) — 4:01.20

3. Birke Haylom (ETH) — 4:02.11

4. Laura Muir (GBR) — 4:03.45

5. Heather MacLean (USA) — 4:04.72