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Josh Kerr's “Project 222” Aims Mile Record at London Diamond League

7/18/2026

47 11 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Josh Kerr will attempt to break the men’s mile world record at the London Diamond League on Saturday, July 18, 2026, calling it “Project 222” to stress the 222 seconds needed to beat Hicham El Guerrouj’s 3:43.13 record from 1999.
Kerr’s 3:45.34 personal best ranks him sixth-fastest, about two seconds shy of the record.
The race will include pacemakers and Olympic 1500 m finalists Yared Nuguse and Hobbs Kessler.

History

Historical Context

On 6 May 1954 Roger Bannister broke the four-minute mile with 3:59.4 at Oxford, a barrier later eclipsed by John Landy and ultimately by Hicham El Guerrouj’s 3:43.13 world record in 1999. The 2024 anniversary meet at Iffley Road saw four athletes run sub-four minutes, underscoring the lasting impact. Seventy years on, Josh Kerr’s “Project 222” aims to surpass that mark, continuing the pattern of once-unthinkable times becoming new standards.

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Story summary

Josh Kerr will attempt to break the men’s mile world record at the London Diamond League on Saturday, July 18, 2026, calling it “Project 222” to stress the 222 seconds needed to beat Hicham El Guerrouj’s 3:43.13 record from 1999.
Kerr’s 3:45.34 personal best ranks him sixth-fastest, about two seconds shy of the record.
The race will include pacemakers and Olympic 1500 m finalists Yared Nuguse and Hobbs Kessler.

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