Kerr Targets El Guerrouj’s Mile Record in London

Britain’s Josh Kerr will aim to break Hicham El Guerrouj’s 24-year-old mile world record at the London Diamond League meet in July.

Kerr, 28, recently won the 3,000 meters title at the World Indoor Championships in Poland. His personal best of 3:45.34 trails El Guerrouj’s mark of 3:43.13 set in 1999.

“It’s been a huge goal of my career,” Kerr said in an interview with the BBC. “It’s one of the oldest world records on the track and I think it’s one of the most important ones.”

El Guerrouj’s record has endured for over two decades, surviving multiple challenges. British athletes have historically dominated the distance, with Roger Bannister breaking the four-minute barrier in 1954 and Sebastian Coe setting multiple records.

Kerr emphasized confidence in his current form and training metrics as key factors enabling a serious attempt without compromising other racing goals.