Brooks Running’s Project 222 succeeds as Josh Kerr shatters mile world record

Scottish middle-distance runner Josh Kerr has set a new world record in the mile, completing the race in 3 minutes and 42.66 seconds at the London Diamond League meet on July 18, 2026. The performance surpassed the previous record of 3:43.13, which had been held by Morocco’s Hicham El Guerrouj since July 7, 1999. The attempt, branded as "Project 222" by sponsor Brooks Running, involved custom-engineered spikes and a speedsuit designed to shave 2.68 seconds off Kerr’s previous best time.

The record-breaking run took place in front of over 60,000 spectators at the London Stadium. Despite early pacemakers dropping out, Kerr maintained the required pace to secure the title. The event marked a significant moment for the Seattle-based company, which had spent months designing and testing the specialised footwear and apparel for this single race. Danny Orr, senior director of footwear innovation at Brooks Running, described the atmosphere as one of intense anticipation, noting the pressure on the campaign to succeed.

Kerr’s approach to the record attempt differed from traditional strategic racing. The formula required a punishing 55-second opening lap to sustain the pace needed for a 3:42 mile. The Hyperion 222 spike, engineered with a curved rocker shape, was tailored to Kerr’s specific foot shape and stride. Additionally, the speedsuit featured laser-cut perforations to manage London’s July heat and reduce aerodynamic drag. Brooks executives reported that Kerr expressed confidence in the equipment during training sessions in Seattle prior to the event.

The race dynamics shifted when pacemakers Zan Rudolph and Brannon Kidder dropped out earlier than planned, leaving Kerr to lead the field for more than a lap and a half from the finish. Kerr distanced himself from remaining rivals Yared Nuguse and Robert Farken over the final 250 meters. Kerr later told reporters that the last lap was "incredible" and that he was "deaf" in the final 110 meters as he leaned at the finish line to clock the new world record time.

The success of Project 222 has generated significant commercial interest for Brooks Running. Orr noted that the company is seeing unprecedented engagement levels, with more than 1.5 million people watching a full-length YouTube video of the race. The company is also experiencing high demand for the limited number of spikes and speed suits worn by Kerr. Sports marketing analysts suggest that such high-profile record attempts provide brands with mainstream traction that traditional sponsorship deals may not achieve, although they carry substantial risk if the athlete falls short.