Josh Kerr broke the world record for the mile on Saturday, July 18, in London, clocking a time of 3:42.66. The 28-year-old Scot surpassed the previous mark of 3:43.13 set by Moroccan legend Hicham El Guerrouj in 1999.
Kerr, a 2023 world champion in the 1,500m and a silver medalist at the 2024 Paris Olympics, had publicly targeted the record for months. He stated his intention to bring the “mythic” discipline of the mile into the “modern era” during his preparations for the London event.
The Fall of the El Guerrouj Era
For nearly three decades, Hicham El Guerrouj’s 3:43.13 stood as one of the most resilient barriers in middle-distance running. The Moroccan athlete established the mark in 1999, creating a benchmark that resisted the evolution of track technology and training for 27 years.
Kerr’s Path to the World Record
Kerr’s trajectory has been marked by consistent podium finishes at the highest level of the sport, including his gold medal at the 2023 World Athletics Championships in the 1,500m. His recent silver medal at the 2024 Olympics further solidified his status as a premier global competitor before he pivoted his focus toward the mile record.
Comparison of Mile World Records
Below is the comparison of the two fastest mile times in history.
| Athlete | Nationality | Time | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Josh Kerr | Great Britain | 3:42.66 | |
| Hicham El Guerrouj | Morocco | 3:43.13 | 1999 |
Impact on Modern Middle-Distance Running
The record attempt in London was a calculated move. Kerr had spent months signaling his intent to the athletics world, turning the race into a high-stakes event rather than a secondary objective of a larger meet.
Next Steps for Josh Kerr
Stay tuned for further updates on the World Athletics rankings and upcoming Diamond League fixtures. Share your thoughts on Kerr’s record-breaking run in the comments below.
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