Josh Kerr Breaks 27-Year-Old Men's Mile World Record (Watch Video)
Scottish runner Josh Kerr has set a new world record for the mile, finishing in 3:42.66 at the London Diamond League. Surpassing Hicham El Guerrouj’s 1999 record, the achievement marks the culmination of Kerr's ‘Project 222’ campaign during a year without major global championships.
Scottish middle-distance runner Josh Kerr has made athletics history by becoming the fastest man over one mile, clocking a world record time of 3:42.66 at the London Diamond League on Saturday. This performance eclipses the long-standing record of 3:43.13, established 27 years ago by Morocco’s Hicham El Guerrouj in Rome.
Josh Kerr Achieving ‘Project 222’
The milestone serves as the successful conclusion to Kerr’s season-long ambition dubbed ‘Project 222’. The initiative was specifically designed to surpass the 3:43.13 mark, a feat that had remained unchallenged since 1999. Previously holding a personal best of 3:45.34, Kerr solidified his status as a premier global athlete with this commanding display. Marc Cucurella Vows to Retire From International Football if Spain Wins FIFA World Cup 2026 Final Against Argentina.
Josh Kerr Shatters World Record in World for Running
Supported by pacemakers Brannon Kidder and Zan Rudolf, Kerr maintained a consistent rhythm throughout the race. After the pacers stepped off the track, the Briton accelerated through the 1200-metre mark in 2:46.39. He finished well ahead of American Yared Nuguse, who claimed second place with a season’s best time of 3:45.69.
Josh Kerr: A Season of Focused Preparation
With no World or Olympic championships scheduled for 2026, Kerr identified this race as his primary goal for the season. Under the tutelage of coach Danny Mackey at Brooks Beasts, Kerr has established a track record of elite performance, including a 2023 World Championships gold, as well as Olympic medals in the 1500 metres in both 2021 and 2024. FIFA World Cup Final 2026: Restaurants and Cafes in Delhi To Stay Open Till 4 AM, Says CM Rekha Gupta.
Kerr’s approach to the current season has been highly selective. His preparation included a victory in the 3,000 metres at the world indoor championships in late March and a personal best of 1:44.60 in the 800 metres during a May meeting.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 18, 2026 08:45 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).