Josh Kerr Sets New Mile World Record

British runner Josh Kerr set a new world record for the fastest mile, clocking in at 3 minutes, 42.66 seconds during the London Diamond League. This achievement breaks the previous record set by Moroccan Hicham El Guerrouj in Rome in 1999. Kerr’s record-breaking performance ended a 27-year-old milestone, as confirmed by The Associated Press.

Following his historic run, the 28-year-old Kerr took a victory lap around London Stadium, marking his place in track and field history. A video shared by the Diamond League captured the moment Kerr celebrated with his arms in the air as the stadium erupted in cheers. The league’s official account announced, ‘History made by Josh Kerr!’

In the race, Kerr finished more than three seconds ahead of American runner Yared Nuguse, who completed the mile in 3:45.69. Britain’s Jake Heyward came in third with a personal best of 3:46.73, according to World Athletics.

Congratulations poured in on social media. Team Scotland recognized Kerr’s achievement, while the Olympic Games’ official account declared that Kerr had made history by breaking a 27-year-old record at the London Diamond League.

Kerr had set his sights on the London Diamond League mile as one of his main objectives this season, focusing on this over the Olympics or World Championships, as stated by the AP. Speaking with BBC Sport, Kerr credited the electric atmosphere at London Stadium for propelling him through the final stretch. ‘I was absolutely deaf in that last 110 meters,’ he said, noting the immense pressure he faced after openly stating his goal to break the record months prior.

‘It’s silly to call [the attempt] that early because there’s a lot of things which can go wrong,’ Kerr admitted to BBC Sport, ‘but I am surrounded by amazing people and was able to stay consistent and put the work in.’ He emphasized the importance of these performances in cementing his legacy in British athletics.

Before turning professional, Kerr had an illustrious collegiate career at the University of New Mexico, securing three NCAA titles and eight Mountain West championships. His standout performance on Saturday reduced his previous best mile time from 3:45.34 by nearly three seconds, and erased one of track and field’s long-standing world records, according to World Athletics.