British runner Josh Kerr breaks 27-year-old world record in 1-mile race

British runner Josh Kerr has shattered the 27-year-old world record in the men's 1-mile race, clocking an astonishing 3 minutes and 42.66 seconds at the Diamond League meet in London. This remarkable performance eclipses the previous record of 3:43.13, set in 1999 by Moroccan legend Hicham El Guerrouj.

Kerr, primarily a middle-distance runner, has already achieved significant success on the international stage, earning a bronze medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and a silver at the 2024 Paris Olympics in the 1500m. His new world record in the 1-mile event further solidifies his status as one of the sport's elite.

The 1-mile race, while not an Olympic event, holds a special place in athletics history. It gained iconic status in 1954 when Roger Bannister became the first person to break the 4-minute barrier. The shoes he wore that day were later sold at auction for a considerable sum, highlighting the event's enduring legacy.

This achievement by Kerr follows a trend of record-breaking performances in the 1-mile distance. Last year, Kenyan star Faith Kipyegon, the world record holder in the women's 1500m, also made a significant mark by running the mile in under 4 minutes and 6 seconds, though she narrowly missed her target of breaking the 4-minute barrier in a special project.