Josh Kerr breaks men's mile world record in London

Josh Kerr has broken the men's mile world record, clocking 3:42.66 at the Diamond League meeting in London. The 28-year-old Scot took down the mark set by Morocco's Hicham El Guerrouj in 1999.

Kerr becomes the seventh British athlete to hold the mile world record and the first since Steve Cram in 1985. His previous personal best over the distance was a British record of 3:45.34, meaning he improved by more than two and a half seconds.

What happened

The record came in front of a sell-out crowd of 60,000 at London Stadium, with Kerr describing the performance afterwards as an "awesome achievement" and saying the mile record was his main target for the year. The same meeting also brought a win for Keely Hodgkinson in the 800m.

• Kerr's winning time was 3:42.66, beating Hicham El Guerrouj's 1999 record
• He is the seventh British athlete to hold the mile world record
• He is the first Briton to hold it since Steve Cram in 1985
• His previous mile best was a British record of 3:45.34
• A sell-out crowd of 60,000 watched at London Stadium

Why it matters

The mile carries particular weight in British athletics, from Roger Bannister's four-minute breakthrough in 1954 through the era of Sebastian Coe, Steve Ovett and Cram. Kerr said he felt it was time to bring the record back to the UK after a long wait, and that part of his task was to put on a performance capable of inspiring young athletes, coaches and parents in the stands.

Kerr suggested the mark may not stand for long, noting that more favourable wind on another day could allow him to take further time off the record if he is in the right condition. His next opportunities to do so will come as the outdoor season continues.