Josh Kerr has broken the 27-year-old mile world record, running a blistering 3 minutes and 42.66 seconds at the former Olympic Stadium in London on Saturday. The 28-year-old Scot's performance eclipsed Hicham El Guerrouj's previous mark of 3:43.13, set in July 1999. The achievement brings one of athletics' most coveted records back to Britain, a feat Kerr had publicly outlined as his mission earlier this year with 'Project 222'.
Kerr's remarkable time places him in the company of British middle-distance running greats Sir Roger Bannister, Steve Ovett, Sebastian Coe, and Steve Cram. His run was nearly 17 seconds faster than Bannister's historic first sub-four-minute mile in 1954.
Meticulous Preparation and Training
Kerr's journey to the record involved months of rigorous preparation. He utilized an oxygen-boosting altitude chamber at his home in Albuquerque, New Mexico, simulating conditions over 8,000 feet above sea level to enhance red blood cell production. His training regimen included precisely timed ice baths, measuring exactly three minutes and 42 seconds, and a consistent bedtime of 8:30 p.m. He also incorporates a 16 to 18-hour food fast on Tuesdays and consumes sodium bicarbonate before races to delay muscle fatigue. His diet frequently includes spinach.
Kerr's weekly training schedule balances intensity and recovery. Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays typically feature 7-10 mile easy or moderate runs, along with form drills and recovery methods like saunas and cold tubs. Tuesdays and Fridays involve harder sessions, including tempo runs and race-specific track workouts, often followed by up to 90 minutes of weightlifting. Sundays are reserved for long runs of approximately 16 miles with faster pick-ups. Saturdays are a complete rest day, often spent walking his dog with his wife, Larimar.
Inspiration and Support
Kerr attributes much of his success to his wife, Larimar, a dermatologist. The couple met at the University of New Mexico when Kerr moved to the U.S. at 17 on a scholarship. Larimar, also a former track athlete, has been a grounding influence.
Kerr also draws inspiration from past athletic heroes. He studies race footage, including Sir Roger Bannister's groundbreaking sub-four-minute mile in 1954, and has been influenced by British record-holders like Steve Ovett, Steve Cram, and Sebastian Coe. Both Coe and Cram were present at the London Stadium to witness Kerr's record-breaking run.
Kerr comes from an athletic family; his father John was a professional rugby player, and his mother Jill is a physiotherapist. His brother Jake also played rugby for Scotland and the Bristol Bears.
Race Execution
During the record attempt, Kerr adhered to his plan to complete the mile in 222 seconds. He was paced by his Brooks teammate Brannon Kidder, completing the first lap in 54.75 seconds and reaching the 800m mark in 1:51. After Kidder moved off the track, Zan Rudolf continued pacing but fell slightly behind. In the final lap, Kerr surged ahead, maintaining his form to secure the new world record. He was presented with a cheque for approximately £38,000 for his performance.
Kerr reflected on the overwhelming nature of the achievement, emphasizing the consistency and hard work required. "If I am to leave my mark on this sport as a British legend, following in the footsteps of the legends behind me, I have to put in those performances," he stated. He noted that while the performance was strong, he had hoped it might be even faster.