Josh Kerr breaks men's mile world record at London Diamond League

Josh Kerr of Britain shattered a long-standing men's mile world record at the Diamond League meeting in London, overturning a mark that had stood since 1999. The 28-year-old Edinburgh native celebrated the achievement with a lap of honour at London Stadium.

Hicham El Guerrouj's time of 3 minutes, 43.13 seconds, established in Rome in 1999, had been the benchmark for more than a quarter-century. Kerr, representing Britain, produced the performance that erased that mark at the London Diamond League meet on July 19, 2026. The record-breaking run took place on the track at London Stadium, where spectators witnessed the historic finish.

The accomplishment ended a 27-year reign for the Moroccan great's mile best. Kerr's run immediately drew attention for its significance in middle-distance running, as El Guerrouj's record had long been viewed as one of the sport's enduring marks. Officials and fans alike acknowledged the rarity of seeing that particular barrier cleared.

Kerr, who is 28 years old and from Edinburgh, responded to the moment with a lap of honour around London Stadium. The gesture underscored the personal and historical importance of the achievement for the British athlete. His celebration occurred on the infield track after the conclusion of the mile race.

The Diamond League stop in London provided the stage for the milestone, bringing together elite competitors and a global audience. Kerr's victory and the new world record were the defining outcomes of the event's middle-distance program. The performance will be recorded in the sport's record books alongside El Guerrouj's long-held mark.

The breakage of the 3 minutes, 43.13 seconds record marks a rare rewriting of the men's mile history. Kerr's run at London Stadium will be remembered as a landmark moment for British athletics and the broader middle-distance community.