Speed Suits & Altitude Rooms: How Josh Kerr Plans to Beat the Mile World Record

New Delhi, India Jul 1, 2026 ALN: Every day, Josh Kerr writes down the time: three minutes 43.13 seconds. This is the world record for the mile, held by Hicham El Guerrouj for 27 years. Kerr, a 28-year-old athlete from Great Britain, hopes to change that on July 18 at the London Diamond League meeting.

Kerr and his team refer to their ambitious project as Project 222, targeting a time of 222 seconds to surpass the long-standing record. Their meticulous approach to this challenge involves a range of innovative strategies aimed at optimizing performance.

Bespoke spikes designed to enhance his biomechanics, a specially crafted speed suit, and even having his physiotherapist move into his Albuquerque home are just a few of the steps Kerr is taking. Additionally, his parents, John and Jill, are flying out from Scotland to support him, while ice baths are timed to last exactly as long as the race. An altitude room is also being set up in his bedroom to simulate high-altitude training conditions.

All of these preparations have been documented on YouTube, showcasing the countdown to the big day. Kerr describes the entire operation as "a well-orchestrated zoo."

'I Want to Be Known as the Best Miler in History'

Kerr's bold approach to promoting his attempt is consistent with his personality. He aims to draw attention to the , its personalities, achievements, and rivalries. Previously, he was known for his competitive relationship with 1500m rival Jakob Ingebrigtsen. Now, he focuses on breaking one of the 's longest-standing records.

"Everything's going extremely smoothly," Kerr stated. "You know when you call your shot this far in advance, there's a lot of things that can happen, and we're still three weeks or so out. It's definitely on; I just need to handle the variables that are going to come my way, and with a little bit of luck on my side, I'm sure I'll be in a really good spot."

Kerr chose London for his record attempt as a tribute to the historical significance of the mile record. Six British athletes have broken it in the past, including Roger Bannister, who famously ran the first sub-four-minute mile in 1954. Kerr aspires to become the seventh.

Currently, he ranks sixth on the all-time list with a personal best of three minutes 45.34 seconds, achieved two years ago. As the fastest miler from Great Britain, he is eager to elevate his status in the .

"I just want to put my name up against some of the best Brits in history, and I want to be known as the best miler in history," Kerr expressed, making such an extraordinary goal sound almost routine.

He is also preparing for the Commonwealth Games, where he has been confirmed as part of Team Scotland. Kerr had to rely on selection due to an injury that prevented him from securing his place earlier. He will run a mile at Scotstoun Stadium in Glasgow on August 1, the same track where he first learned to race as a junior athlete.

"My parents are here with me at the moment, and we were talking about how fun it's going to be to go back to Glasgow and to go back to Scotstoun," Kerr said. "The amount of times I've raced there and the memories I've got, it's like proper full circle stuff, so that will be really fun as well."

As the countdown to his record attempt continues, Kerr remains focused on his goal, employing every possible strategy to achieve what many consider an extraordinary feat in .