Josh Kerr broke the men's mile world record with a time of 3 minutes 42.66 seconds at the London Diamond League held at London Stadium on July 18. [1, 2, 3, 4] Kerr's time surpassed the previous record of 3:43.13 set by Moroccan runner Hicham El Guerrouj in 1999 by about 0.47 seconds, ending a 27-year-old mark. [1, 2, 4] Kerr, 28, is the seventh British athlete to hold the mile world record and the first since Steve Cram in 1985. [1, 2]
Around 60,000 spectators watched the race at London Stadium. [1, 2, 3] Kerr had previously held a personal best and British record of 3:45.34 in the mile, ranking sixth on the all-time list before this event. [1, 3] He trained extensively with a project called "Project 222," which aimed to break the mile record. [2, 3]
Kerr credited the crowd and atmosphere for aiding his performance in the final lap. He said, "It was just me, my shoes and the track. I was absolutely deaf in that last 110 meters." [4] After crossing the line, he added, "I nearly lost it there at the end but I got over the line." [3] Kerr said, "The biggest goal that I had [this year] was going after the world record in the mile. It was a perfect year for it." [1] He also noted the history of British runners in the mile and said, "It was just time for me to bring that distance and that record back home to the UK." [1]
The race included notable competitors like American Yared Nuguse, who finished second in 3:45.69, and Britain’s Jake Heyward, who finished third with a personal best of 3:46.73. [4] Kerr said he might attempt to lower the record further, adding, "On another day, with maybe a little bit more favourable wind, I could maybe take another little chunk off it." [1]
Kerr described his training consistency, stating, "I am surrounded by amazing people and was just able to stay consistent, put the work in, and I knew I had 3:42 in me." [3] The next major event for Kerr has not been announced yet following his record-breaking performance.
