World champion Josh Kerr aims for mile world record this summer

The British athlete also has his sights set on winning a major marathon in the future

Apr. 5, 2026 at 9:51pm

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After winning the 3000m gold medal at the 2026 World Athletics Indoor Championships, British middle-distance runner Josh Kerr revealed his ambitious race targets for the year ahead. Kerr, the 2023 men's 1500m world champion, is now working towards breaking the mile world record at the London Diamond League meet this July. He also expressed his desire to eventually win a major marathon, inspired by the current boom in British long-distance running.

Why it matters

Kerr's attempt at the mile world record, one of the oldest and most prestigious marks in track and field, would be a significant moment for British athletics. If successful, he would become the seventh British athlete to hold the record, following in the footsteps of legends like Roger Bannister, Sebastian Coe, and Steve Ovett. Kerr's goal to win a major marathon in the future also speaks to the depth of talent in British distance running at the moment.

The details

Kerr, 28, will target the mile world record of 3:43.13 set by Morocco's Hicham El Guerrouj in 1999. Kerr's current personal best in the mile is 3:45.34. The attempt will take place at the London Diamond League meet on July 18th. Kerr has been working towards this goal since signing with Brooks in 2018, and he and his coach, Danny Mackey, felt he was ready to go for the record after the disappointment of the 2025 World Championships. Kerr also has his sights set on winning a major marathon in the future, inspired by the current success of British long-distance runners.

  • Kerr won the 3000m gold medal at the 2026 World Athletics Indoor Championships in Poland in February.
  • Kerr will attempt the mile world record at the London Diamond League meet on July 18, 2026.
  • Kerr signed with Brooks in 2018 and began discussing the mile world record attempt with his coach at that time.

The players

Josh Kerr

A 28-year-old British middle-distance runner who is the reigning 1500m world champion and a multiple Olympic medalist. He is now focused on breaking the mile world record and eventually winning a major marathon.

Danny Mackey

Kerr's coach, who has been working with him since 2018 on the goal of attempting the mile world record.

Hicham El Guerrouj

A Moroccan runner who currently holds the mile world record of 3:43.13, set in 1999.

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What they’re saying

“I'm going after the world record in the mile, on 18 July, at the London Diamond League. It's one of the oldest world records right now in track and that's because it's really hard. It's an awesome record and I'm committing my season to it.”

— Josh Kerr, British middle-distance runner

“There was definitely a turning point, back when I signed with Brooks in 2018. Me and Danny [Mackey, Kerr's coach] spoke about it and he was like, 'I want to be capable of that one day – let me know when you're ready. I'm going to do my job and you let me know when you're ready to go.'”

— Josh Kerr, British middle-distance runner

What’s next

Kerr will attempt to break the mile world record on July 18, 2026 at the London Diamond League meet.

The takeaway

Kerr's ambitious goals of breaking the mile world record and eventually winning a major marathon demonstrate his drive to cement his legacy as one of the greatest British middle-distance runners of his generation. His willingness to be open about his targets and inspire the next generation of athletes adds to his status as a leading figure in the sport.