Scottish Runner Josh Kerr Aims for Mile World Record and Major Marathon Win

The 28-year-old middle-distance star has lofty goals on both the track and road.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 8:53pm

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A fractured, geometric painting depicting a runner in motion, with the figure broken down into sharp, overlapping planes that convey a sense of dynamic movement and athletic prowess.A cubist interpretation of a runner's form captures the problem-solving challenge and explosive energy of the marathon.Los Angeles Today

Josh Kerr, a 28-year-old Scottish runner, has announced his intention to break the world record in the mile this summer. But the Brooks Beasts athlete also has his sights set on winning a major marathon in the future, citing his interest in the 'problem-solving' nature of the 26.2-mile distance.

Why it matters

Kerr's dual ambitions of chasing a mile world record and a major marathon victory are uncommon for a middle-distance runner, but reflect a growing trend of versatile athletes competing across multiple disciplines. His goals highlight the continued popularity and evolution of both track and road running.

The details

Kerr, who trains between Seattle and Albuquerque, said he is 'capable of going after' a world major marathon win at some point in his career. He referenced the rise of British marathoning and his pride in his fellow Team GB athletes. Kerr also noted that his planned mile world record attempt will take place at the London Diamond League, hinting that he may one day target the prestigious London Marathon.

  • Kerr plans to attempt the mile world record this summer.
  • The 2023 London Marathon will be held on April 26.
  • The 2027 'Double London Marathon' is scheduled to accommodate 100,000 runners over two days.

The players

Josh Kerr

A 28-year-old Scottish runner who trains with the Brooks Beasts and has announced plans to break the mile world record and win a major marathon in his career.

Sifan Hassan

A Dutch runner known for her versatility, having won gold medals in the 1500m, 5000m, and 10,000m at major championships, and a bronze medal in the marathon at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Tigst Assefa

An 800m specialist who won the 2023 Berlin Marathon, smashing the women's world record by over two minutes.

Eliud Kipchoge

A Kenyan runner who was originally a star on the track before becoming one of the greatest marathoners of all time, winning Olympic gold in 2016 and 2021.

Brooks Beasts

The training group that Josh Kerr is a part of, based between Seattle and Albuquerque.

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What they’re saying

“I want to win a world major marathon. And I think that I'm capable of going after that at some point in my career. Running interests me. The variables that come up within races interest me. It's a problem-solving kind of situation. And 26.2 miles is over two hours' worth of problem-solving—currently I only get anywhere between three and a half and seven and a half minutes' worth of it … I'm not saying that I'm going to be the best marathoner in the world and I don't know what I'm capable of. But I know that I want to give it a go and have real respect for it.”

— Josh Kerr, Runner

What’s next

Kerr will attempt to break the mile world record this summer at the London Diamond League. He will also compete in the Commonwealth Games in his native Scotland this summer, with the goal of winning gold.

The takeaway

Josh Kerr's dual ambitions of chasing a mile world record and a major marathon victory highlight the growing versatility of elite runners. His interest in the 'problem-solving' nature of the marathon distance, despite his middle-distance background, reflects the continued evolution and popularity of both track and road running.