Runner Josh Kerr Targets Historic 3:42 Mile World Record

One of Britain's greatest middle-distance runners just declared war on history, and he's giving himself over a year to prepare for the battle.

Josh Kerr announced Project 222 on Monday with partner Brooks Running. The goal? Break the mile world record that's stood since 1999 and become the first person ever to run the distance in 222 seconds (3:42 flat). The official attempt happens July 18, 2026, at the London Diamond League meet.

The current world record of 3:43.13 belongs to Morocco's Hicham El Guerrouj, who set it in Rome over a quarter century ago. Kerr currently ranks sixth all-time with his 3:45.34 from last year's Prefontaine Classic, meaning he'll need to shave more than three seconds off his personal best.

"It is the hardest track and field world record right now in my opinion," Kerr told FloTrack. "And that's stood for the longest time, and there's a reason for that. It's not easy."

The attempt isn't just about the time. Kerr chose the London Diamond League specifically because it's home soil and the historic Emsley Carr Mile, adding emotional stakes to the physical challenge.

"Project 222 is about embracing pressure," Kerr explained. "Calling your shot, putting yourself out there when everyone is watching, and seeing what's possible when belief, preparation, and the right support come together."

Brooks Running is building a complete custom gear kit for the record attempt. Engineers are developing race spikes tailored to Kerr's specific biomechanics and testing three different speed suit concepts designed to optimize aerodynamics and temperature regulation for exactly 222 seconds of racing.

The Brooks Run Research Lab is also supporting Kerr with physiological testing focused on sleep, hydration, and recovery protocols. Every detail matters when chasing history by fractions of seconds.

Why This Inspires

What makes Project 222 special isn't just the audacity of the goal. It's Kerr's willingness to announce it publicly, giving himself nowhere to hide and 18 months to chase something most experts consider nearly impossible.

The British runner has already proven himself among the world's elite. He's the British 1500m record holder, won the 2023 World Championship, and earned Olympic silver in 2024 and bronze in 2021. He also holds the world indoor two-mile best.

But Kerr wants more than medals. "I want to be remembered as the best miler in the history of this era," he said. "To do that, you have to go after the big records."

The world will find out in London whether belief, science, and relentless preparation can topple a record that's outlasted an entire generation of runners.