Josh Kerr has set his sights on breaking Hicham El Guerrouj’s long-standing mile world record of three minutes 43.13 seconds. He plans to make his attempt on July 18 at the London Diamond League. The runner and his support team have dubbed the mission Project 222, aiming to complete the distance in exactly 222 seconds, a mark that has remained unbeaten for 27 years.
To achieve this goal, Kerr has implemented a rigorous preparation strategy. This includes utilizing custom-made racing spikes, specialized speed gear, and an altitude chamber installed within his own bedroom in Albuquerque. His medical support has moved into his home, and he has incorporated specific recovery techniques like ice baths timed to match the duration of a race. Kerr has documented these efforts on his YouTube channel to provide transparency into his intense training.
Kerr, already Britain’s fastest miler, holds a personal best of three minutes 45.34 seconds. By selecting London for this attempt, he hopes to join a prestigious lineage of six British athletes who have previously claimed the record, beginning with Sir Roger Bannister. Beyond this challenge, Kerr is set to represent Team Scotland at the upcoming Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, returning to the track where his competitive journey began.
