Scotland's Josh Kerr Smashes World Mile Record in London

Scottish middle-distance runner Josh Kerr achieved a monumental feat in London on July 18, 2026, shattering the world record for the mile race at the Diamond League meeting. The 28-year-old clocked an astonishing 3:42.66, eclipsing the previous record held for over two decades.

Kerr's performance surpassed the legendary Moroccan Hicham El Guerrouj's mark of 3:43.13, set on July 7, 1999. Running in front of a roaring crowd of nearly 60,000 spectators at the London stadium, Kerr executed a powerful final lap kick, aided by pacemakers and a pace-setting light system, to cross the finish line well ahead of the required pace.

The mile race, though not an Olympic event, is one of athletics' most historic and prestigious distances. Kerr had expressed confidence before the race, stating his intention to become the fastest miler in history, a goal he emphatically achieved. His victory was met with thunderous applause from the audience, including notable figures like World Athletics president Sebastian Coe and former world record holder Steve Cram.

Kerr, who trains primarily in the United States, will now be a strong favorite for the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. His record-breaking run earned him a prize of $50,000. American Yared Nuguse finished second with a season-best time of 3:45.69.

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On the final lap, I knew I had it. I just told myself, 'Go, go, go!'