British distance runner Josh Kerr will attempt to break the 27-year-old mile world record at the London Diamond League on Saturday, July 18, in what he calls "Project 222." The current record stands at 3:43.13, set by Hicham El Guerrouj of Morocco in 1999.
Kerr, the 2022 World Championships 1500-meter gold medalist, has built his entire season around this single goal. The London Diamond League provides ideal conditions for a world record attempt: a fast track, elite pacing support, and a course designed for speed. The Diamond League series regularly hosts the world's fastest distance runners, creating perfect competition for breaking records.
El Guerrouj's mile mark has withstood challenge for nearly three decades. Only a handful of runners have come within striking distance of the record in recent years. Kerr's attempt represents one of the most serious threats to this benchmark in over a decade, with his 1500-meter credentials suggesting he has the speed and aerobic capacity to crack sub-3:43.
The pacing strategy will prove critical to Kerr's success. Diamond League mile races typically feature designated pacemakers who lead the first half at a predetermined speed, allowing the record-chasing runner to conserve energy before the final kick. Kerr's team will have calculated exact splits needed to break El Guerrouj's time while accounting for factors like weather conditions and track conditions on race day.
Kerr's pursuit of Project 222 (likely referring to a sub-3:44 or similar target) represents a methodical approach to breaking a long-standing world record. He has specifically timed his peak fitness for this event rather than distributing his energy across multiple races. This singles-event focus demonstrates confidence in his ability to deliver when it matters most.
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