Runner breaks men’s mile world record that stood since 1999
He won the race more than 3 seconds ahead of the second-place runner.
Olivia Bennett 
History was rewritten on the track this Saturday as British runner Josh Kerr shattered a world record that had stood for over a quarter-century. Competing at a Diamond League meet in London, Kerr clocked an electrifying time of 3 minutes, 42.66 seconds to claim the men’s mile world record.
A Record for the Ages
Kerr’s historic performance officially eclipsed the legendary mark set by Morocco's Hicham El Guerrouj, who recorded a time of 3 minutes, 43.13 seconds in Rome back in 1999. Following the finish, the Edinburgh native celebrated the feat with a triumphant lap of honor at London Stadium.
The performance was a masterclass in speed, with Kerr finishing more than three seconds ahead of American runner Yared Nuguse, who crossed the line at 3:45.69.
In His Own Words
Reflecting on the experience, Kerr told the BBC that the crowd support while approaching the finish line was “just incredible.” He described the intense focus required during the final moments of the race: “It was just me, my shoes and the track. I was absolutely deaf in that last 110 meters.”
He added that while he didn't ease up, he felt a sense of clarity during the final stretch. “I didn’t take my foot off the gas, but ... I started to glide and I was like ‘oh 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-something — anything — was my goal, so it was great.”
Rising to the Top
At 28 years old, Kerr has significantly improved upon his previous personal best of 3:45.34, which he set in 2024. His track record is already impressive, having earned a silver medal in the 1,500 meters at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
While the mile is not currently a championships event, it retains iconic status within the sport. The race is historically significant, most notably for the moment in 1954 when British runner Roger Bannister famously broke the four-minute barrier.
205focus.com original reporting with contributions from The Associated Press.
