How Josh Kerr Is Trying to Break the Mile World Record (Explained Simply)

Imagine your friend says, "I’m going to run a mile faster than anyone in history—this Saturday, in a real race." That’s exactly what Olympic silver medalist Josh Kerr is doing. Here’s the super simple breakdown of how he and his team are making it happen.

What Is This All About?

Josh Kerr is a British runner. He won a silver medal in the 1500-meter race at the Olympics. Now, he wants to break the world record for the mile (that’s four laps around a standard track, or about 1609 meters).

• The current record is 3 minutes, 43.13 seconds, set by Hicham El Guerrouj back in 1999.
• That record has lasted longer than any men’s mile record before it.
• Kerr’s attempt is called "Project 222" because he wants to run it in about 222 seconds (3:42-something).
• He needs to beat the record by at least 2.22 seconds.

Important Point: This Saturday is at the London Diamond League. Kerr is trying the record in an actual race, not a special setup—which his coach Danny Mackey says "is not something that happens."

Kerr has a rare chance: this year has no big global championship (like Olympics or World Champs). The last such off-year was Covid-affected 2020, and there won’t be another until 2030.

Who Is Helping Him?

The Athletic talked to these smart folks to understand the science:

• Danny Mackey – Kerr’s coach since 2018, and lead coach for Brooks Beasts Athletic Club
• Bryan Conrad – Senior manager of run research at Brooks (Kerr’s sponsor)
• Danny Orr – Senior director of product development at Brooks
• Brad Wilkins – PhD in human physiology, professor and director at University of Oregon’s Performance Research Laboratory

The Technology: Bespoke Spikes and Speed Suit

Kerr’s shoe and suit are like superhero gear, built just for him.

• Brooks has data on Kerr from nearly 10 years of him running in their gear.
• For this race, they didn’t just tweak old shoes. They built something from the ground up.
• The process used computer models, lab tests, and track tests with many prototypes.

The result is the Hyperion 222 spike:

• Built for Kerr’s body and running style ("biomechanics")
• Optimized to run at 55.5 seconds per 400m (four laps at that speed = record pace)
• Little foam in heel, lots in mid-foot, sharp taper to toes → acts like a rocker to push him forward
• Has a carbon-fibre plate and titanium pins (not sold to public) for "maximum stiffness"
• Kerr is tall (6ft 2in), so his feet are bigger; the shoe returns more energy

Kerr says of the spikes: "You feel like you can’t slow down. They’ve taken the brakes off."

They also made a bespoke speed suit:

• Two fabrics, laser-cut holes, few seams, moisture-wicking panels
• Tested in wind tunnels for aerodynamics (less air drag)
• Multiple versions because London summer weather is unpredictable

Important Point: Brooks says they left "nothing on the table" that could help Kerr by even a fraction of a percent.

The Training: Simplified and at Target Pace

Kerr gave his whole year to this.

• He had a calf injury last September and didn’t run on a track until January.
• This London race will be his first mile of the year.
• He won World Indoor gold over 3000m in March (beating Olympic champ Cole Hocker).
• Runs about 70 miles per week, with strength and 1500m work prioritized.

The training is simplified:

• No tricky race tactics—just run at set pace (like a video game with no variables)
• Track sessions look the same; coach bikes in front, Kerr chases
• Key work at target pace: e.g., 800m reps at 1:50s, not faster
• Big session: 4 sets of (200m, 600m, 200m) all at record speed or quicker
• Early July: 1200m time trial (3/4 mile) on pace, looked in control

The Physiology: Three Key Factors for Record Pace

On a simple level, Kerr must run as fast as his Olympic 1500m (3:27.79) then keep going 109m more.

Brad Wilkins explains three must-haves:

1. Big anaerobic capacity – energy made without oxygen; quick but short-lasting
2. High VO2 max – max oxygen uptake; delays "redlining" (hitting the wall)
3. Motor unit recruitment – using many muscle fibers for stronger pushes

His fast 800m races show all three are there. Brooks tested him on a special treadmill with spikes to measure oxygen use and muscle work.

Important Point: Wilkins is cautiously optimistic but says we know less about the "mechanics and nuance" that might limit an athlete.

The Race: Pacemakers and Small Field

• Kerr wanted London; organizers gave him control of the race.
• Pacemakers (rabbits): teammate Brandon Kidder + Zan Rudolf
• Small field to avoid trips (like a fall last year with 200m left)
• American Yared Nuguse (4th all-time) is racing—having someone push him helps

Kerr says best records happen with close competition: "There’s only been one or two races I’ve seen as fast as this without any kind of competition."

This is also a spotlight moment for Brooks (who had no "super spike" when Kerr won bronze in 2021) and step one toward 2028 Olympics.

Summary

Josh Kerr is attempting to break the 26-year-old mile world record (3:43.13) this Saturday in London as "Project 222." With custom Hyperion 222 spikes, a bespoke suit, simplified target-pace training after injury, and the right physiology, he aims to run 222 seconds. A small field and pacemakers help. It’s a big bet for Kerr and Brooks—less than four minutes will show if 8 months of work paid off.

FAQ

Q: What is a "mile" in track running?
A: It’s four laps of a standard 400m track, about 1609 meters. Kerr runs it in just over 3.5 minutes normally.

Q: Why is the record so hard to beat?
A: Hicham El Guerrouj set 3:43.13 in 1999. No one has beaten it since—longer than any previous men’s mile record.

Q: What does "Project 222" mean?
A: Kerr wants to run the mile in 222 seconds (3:42-something), so they named the attempt after that number.

Q: What are "spikes" in running?
A: Lightweight shoes with pin-like bottoms for grip on the track. Kerr’s are custom-made with carbon plate and titanium pins.

Q: Why use pacemakers?
A: They run in front at record speed so Kerr doesn’t have to think about pacing and gets dragged along fast.