Josh Kerr sets mile world record at London Diamond League
Former UNM Track Star breaks record with a time of 3:42.66, becoming the first British man to hold the record since 1985.
Josh Kerr broke the men’s mile world record Saturday at the London Diamond League, finishing in 3:42.66 and surpassing a record that had stood for 27 years. This according to a press release from the University of New Mexico (UNM).
The former UNM standout shattered the previous record of 3:43.13, set by Hicham El Guerrouj. Kerr pulled away in the final lap and crossed the finish line in front of a packed London Stadium crowd.
The Edinburgh native had publicly targeted the record as part of his “Project 222” campaign and delivered, cutting nearly three seconds off his personal best. Kerr is now the first British man to hold the mile world record since 1985.
Kerr competed at New Mexico from 2015 to 2018, where he won NCAA titles and set collegiate records before going on to claim a world championship and two Olympic medals in the 1,500 meters.
After the race, Kerr said, “I believe even more could be ahead,” adding that the 1,500-meter world record may also be within reach.