Josh Kerr breaks mile world record with 3:42.66 at London Diamond League
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British runner Josh Kerr broke the men’s mile world record in the London Diamond League on Saturday, running the fastest mile in history in 3 minutes 42.66 seconds.
Kerr’s historic run broke the record of 3:43.13 set by Moroccan Hicham El Guerrouj in Rome in 1999, ending the record that had stood for 27 years. According to the Associated Press.
The 28-year-old took a celebratory lap around the London Stadium after cementing his place in athletics history.
SABASTIAN SAWE BROKE THE MEN’S WORLD RECORD BY FINISHING THE LONDON MARATHON IN LESS TWO HOURS
Josh Kerr of Team GB celebrates after winning the 1 Mile Men’s Final and setting a new World Record during the Novuna London Athletics Meet, part of the 2026 Wanda Diamond League at London Stadium on July 18, 2026 in London. (Harry Murphy/Getty Images)
In the video shared by the Diamond League on its X channel, the historic moment when Kerr threw his arms into the air after crossing the finish line was recorded as the packed stadium exploded.
“Josh Kerr made history!” on the league’s official account.
The former University of New Mexico standout finished more than three seconds ahead of American Yared Nuguse, who clocked 3:45.69. According to official results, Britain’s Jake Heyward finished third with a personal best of 3:46.73. Published by World Athletics.
SABASTIAN SAWE BROKE THE MEN’S WORLD RECORD BY FINISHING THE LONDON MARATHON IN LESS TWO HOURS
Team GB’s Josh Kerr poses next to the sign displaying the new world record. (Michael Steele/Getty Images)
Reactions poured in on social media after Kerr’s record-breaking run.
Scotland wrote of Team X: “A new world record. Congratulations to Josh Kerr, who broke the long-standing mile world record with an incredible run of 3:42.66. What an achievement.”
The official
SABASTIAN SAWE BROKE THE MEN’S WORLD RECORD BY FINISHING THE LONDON MARATHON IN LESS TWO HOURS
Josh Kerr celebrates the moments after breaking the men’s mile world record in the London Diamond League as his fellow competitors finish behind him. (Michael Steele/Getty Images)
According to the AP, Kerr had targeted London Diamond League mileage as one of his main goals this season, which did not include the Olympics or World Championships.
Speaking to BBC Sport After the race, Kerr said that the atmosphere at the London Stadium helped him in the final stage.
“It was just me, my shoes, and the runway,” she told the outlet. “I was absolutely deaf in the last 110 metres.”
“I kept my foot on the gas,” Kerr continued. “But… I started floating and I was like, ‘Wow, this feels incredible.’ It’s incredible because I’m slowing down. So I was like, ‘I better get to the line.’ So crossing the finish line, seeing 42 or something, was my goal, so it was cool.”
Kerr also reflected on the pressure he put on himself after publicly announcing months ago that he would pursue the record.
Josh Kerr of Team GB celebrates after winning the 1 Mile Men’s Final and setting a new World Record during the Novuna London Athletics Meet, part of the 2026 Wanda Diamond League at London Stadium on July 18, 2026 in London. (Harry Murphy/Getty Images)
“The amount of exciting ads is overwhelming [I created]He told BBC Sport: “It’s stupid to call [the attempt] “This early because there are so many things that can go wrong, but I’m surrounded by amazing people and I’ve been able to stay consistent and get to work.”
Kerr said he hoped the performance would help define his legacy in British athletics.
“I need to deliver these performances if I want to leave my mark on this sport as a British legend, following in the footsteps of the legends behind me,” he told BBC Sport.
“These performances take every part of you, every part of your team. The work that goes on behind the scenes is incredible. That’s the kind of performance I was able to deliver today – I was just hoping it would be a little faster!”
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Before turning pro, Kerr starred at the University of New Mexico, where she won three NCAA championships, captured eight Mountain West titles and broke the collegiate record in the 1,500 meters. to the school’s athletics website.
Saturday’s performance shaved nearly three seconds off Kerr’s previous personal best mile time of 3:45.34, according to World Athletics, and erased one of the longest-standing world records in track and field.
