Josh Kerr to target long-standing men’s mile world record in London

The London Athletics Meet, one of 15 stops in this season’s Diamond League schedule, takes place on Saturday, 18 July.

Kerr reclaimed the indoor 3,000m title he won in Glasgow two years ago to complete his post-injury return to global success.

That came six months after the 28-year-old’s world 1500m title defence in Tokyo was ruined when he tore a calf muscle during the final.

Back to full health and with no outdoor world championship to target in 2026, the Olympic 1500m medallist has decided to chase the mark of Morocco’s El Guerrouj over a mile, the distance at which he will seek Commonwealth gold on home soil two weeks later.

“This sport needs moments. I think that setting my goals and being very clear on that is a huge part of giving this record the respect that it deserves,” Kerr said.

“To do it in front of a British crowd would just make it extremely special. It’s going to be a tough one but I truly think that I’m capable of going after these times.”