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Josh Kerr Shatters Mile World Record in London

7/22/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Josh Kerr broke the men’s mile world record in London on Saturday, running 3:42.66 and beating Hicham El Guerrouj’s 1999 mark by 0.47 seconds.
He received a US$50,000 prize presented by World Athletics president Sebastian Coe.
Kerr’s 1,500-metre split of 3:27.62 set a new British record and placed him seventh all-time.
He said he will now chase El Guerrouj’s 1,500-metre record of 3:26.00.

History

Historical Context

After Hicham El Guerrouj ran a 3:43.13 mile in Rome on 7 July 1999, his world record stood for 24 years. On 18 July 2026, British runner Josh Kerr lowered the mark to 3:42.66 in London, a prize presented by World Athletics president Sebastian Coe, underscoring the mile’s enduring progression. The feat continues a century-long lineage of records ratified by World Athletics since 1913.

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Story summary

Josh Kerr broke the men’s mile world record in London on Saturday, running 3:42.66 and beating Hicham El Guerrouj’s 1999 mark by 0.47 seconds.
He received a US$50,000 prize presented by World Athletics president Sebastian Coe.
Kerr’s 1,500-metre split of 3:27.62 set a new British record and placed him seventh all-time.
He said he will now chase El Guerrouj’s 1,500-metre record of 3:26.00.

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