Mile WR finally falls. Josh Kerr 3:42.66!

the kenyan · July 18, 2026, 10:53:15 AM

Is that good?

Loco Coyote · July 18, 2026, 12:25:32 PM

You think?
I know you're being facetious.

The old record of 3:43.13 by Hicham El Guerrouj, considered the greatest miler of all time, held for 27 years. Prior to that from the 1950s-1999 the record only stood for a few years at most Steve Cram's held for 8, sometimes weeks. It was unreachable for more most of that time, although a few (Jakob Ingibrigtsen and Yared Nuguse ran 3:43+ a couple of years ago).

This was all set up for Kerr and he just ran away with it. There are some really good, very young, stars coming up so we'll see how long it holds. I don't think it will be 27 years.

the kenyan · July 18, 2026, 12:56:26 PM

I know there was an element of staging involved as per usual with record attempts, but give credit to JK & pacing team for a flawless execution. Usually I bet the "no" on these attempts because it's just easiest to bet against something that's never been done before. But it seemed like everything was falling into place and he was nailing his time trials so well and had good competition behind him, so the odds were definitely favorable. Mostly I was curious to see if Gusse would have a chance to go under too, but he faded a bit on the last lap.

I wonder if we'll see the mile being raced more frequently now.

Trey Seeling · July 18, 2026, 01:18:18 PM

https://youtu.be/eYi2f4ONEDg?is=pqos3GxWpcezRKlK

Loco Coyote · July 18, 2026, 03:09:30 PM

Quote from: the kenyan on July 18, 2026, 12:56:26 PMI know there was an element of staging involved as per usual with record attempts, but give credit to JK & pacing team for a flawless execution. Usually I bet the "no" on these attempts because it's just easiest to bet against something that's never been done before. But it seemed like everything was falling into place and he was nailing his time trials so well and had good competition behind him, so the odds were definitely favorable. Mostly I was curious to see if Gusse would have a chance to go under too, but he faded a bit on the last lap.

I wonder if we'll see the mile being raced more frequently now.

I didn't give credit to Josh Kerr? I said he ran away with the race and smashed one of the toughest world records to break. Just because it was his race and they set it up for him had no ill effect on the achievement.

Fast Eddie · July 18, 2026, 04:34:20 PM

He look strong at the finish. No LED pacing lights?

the kenyan · July 18, 2026, 06:26:43 PM

I think there was, but they were hard to see on camera.

Loco Coyote · July 18, 2026, 08:16:23 PM

There were lights.

Seb Coe (former world record holder and current president of World Athletics) was saying it was the race of the century. Maybe a bit of hype, but probably so if you're a Brit.

Certainly, it's the track and field race of the year, on par with this spring's 1:59 marathon (maybe roads are different enough to warrant a different classification). And it might be the biggest thing past decade for track. Bolt's world records and titles were out of this world.