British runner Josh Kerr shattered the 27-year-old world mile record on July 18, 2026, at the London Diamond League meeting, running a time of 3 minutes 42.66 seconds. This performance broke Hicham El Guerrouj's previous record of 3:43.13, set in 1999, by 0.47 seconds. Kerr, 28, became the seventh Briton to hold the mile record and the first since Steve Cram in 1985.
Kerr’s achievement was part of his Project 222, a targeted effort to run under 223 seconds (3:43.00). He was presented with a $50,000 prize for breaking the record. The crowd of 60,000 at London Stadium roared as he crossed the finish line, with Kerr later describing the experience as "incredible."
Training and Preparation
Kerr’s training regimen included 222-second ice-bath recoveries and high-altitude sessions in Albuquerque, New Mexico. His coach, Danny Mackey, emphasized the laser-focused approach on the time goal, with Kerr documenting his preparation in YouTube videos. His sponsor, Brooks Running, provided custom spikes and a speed suit.
Reactions and Implications
Kerr expressed gratitude for the support of his team and fans, stating, "I feel very lucky to push this forward and bring it back to the UK because I feel like that’s where the mile belongs."
Other notable performances at the meet included:
- Keely Hodgkinson winning the women’s 800m in 1:56.21.
- Brandon Miller of the U.S. winning the men’s 800m in a personal best of 1:42.19.
- Armand Duplantis withdrawing from the men’s pole vault due to injury.
Historical Context
El Guerrouj’s record had stood since 1999, when Kerr was just one year old. Kerr’s time was 17 seconds faster than Sir Roger Bannister’s historic sub-four-minute mile in 1954. The record now joins a lineage of British milestones, including those set by Sebastian Coe, Steve Ovett, and Steve Cram.
Kerr’s victory marks a significant moment in middle-distance running, reigniting interest in the mile as a premier track event.