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Josh Kerr Sets 3:42.66 Mile Record in London

7/20/2026

42 4 Full Breakdown

Summary

Kerr Breaks Record

Josh Kerr set a new men's mile world record of 3:42.66 at London Stadium on July 18, 2026.
Kerr eclipsed Hicham El Guerrouj's 1999 record of 3:43.13 by 0.47 seconds.
Kerr received a US$50,000 prize and was paced by Brannon Kidder and Žan Rudolf, who led the first 800 m in 1:50.63.
Yared Nuguse finished second in 3:45.69 while Jake Heyward placed third with a personal best of 3:46.73.

Summary

Kerr Gears Up

Kerr wore custom Brooks spikes and a speedsuit at the London Diamond League, saying they improved his stride.
He trained at 1,600 m altitude in Albuquerque to boost oxygen efficiency.
His YouTube “Project 222” series posted a 1,200-meter time trial of 2:42.45, confirming his readiness.
Kerr will aim to extend his record at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, where he will race Jake Wightman and Cameron Myers.

History

Historical Context

Since Roger Bannister broke the four-minute barrier in 1954, the mile record has fallen repeatedly, most recently when Hicham El Guerrouj ran 3:43.13 in Rome on 7 July 1999. World Athletics ratified that mark until Josh Kerr lowered it to 3:42.66 at London Stadium on 18 July 2026, continuing a century-long trend of faster middle-distance performances.

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Kerr Breaks Record

Josh Kerr set a new men's mile world record of 3:42.66 at London Stadium on July 18, 2026.
Kerr eclipsed Hicham El Guerrouj's 1999 record of 3:43.13 by 0.47 seconds.
Kerr received a US$50,000 prize and was paced by Brannon Kidder and Žan Rudolf, who led the first 800 m in 1:50.63.
Yared Nuguse finished second in 3:45.69 while Jake Heyward placed third with a personal best of 3:46.73.

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