Josh Kerr breaks men's mile world record in London

British middle-distance runner Josh Kerr made track and field history on Saturday, July 18, 2026, by breaking the men's mile world record at a Diamond League meet in London. The 28-year-old Scot finished in 3 minutes and 42.66 seconds, shattering the previous mark of 3:43.13 set by Morocco's Hicham El Guerrouj in Rome in 1999, a record that had stood for 27 years.

Competing before a capacity crowd at London Stadium, Kerr delivered on a public ambition he first announced in March, which he had branded "Project 222" in reference to the seconds needed to achieve his target time. He executed a commanding race, finishing well ahead of American Yared Nuguse, the Paris 2024 Olympic 1500m bronze medalist, who placed second in 3:45.69. Britain's Jake Heyward took third in a personal best of 3:46.73.

Kerr, the reigning 1500-meter world champion and an Olympic silver medalist in that event from 2024, said the record attempt was a primary goal in a season without a world championships or Olympic Games. He credited his team and consistent training for the achievement, noting he had not missed a session in the buildup. In comments after the race, Kerr said he knew he had the performance in...