The Emsley Carr Mile
First run in 1953, the Emsley Carr Mile was created by Sir William Carr in memory of his father, Sir Emsley Carr. the former editor of News of the World. As part of tradition, the winner of the race signs the red Moroccan leather book, now in its second volume.
The race is won Eleven Olympic champions. Kip Keino, Steve Ovett, Murray Hallberg, John Walker, Jeff Smith, Sebastian Coe, Said Aouita, William Tanouy, Venust Niyongabo, Haile Gebrselassi, Asbel Kiprop, and Hicham El Gerouj. Seven athletes have won this mile: Walker, Ovett, Coe, Elle Gerouj, Filbert Bye, Derek Ibbotson and Jim Ryun. Derek Ibbotson 19563:59.40) was the first to run it under 4 minutes.
The race was played at the old White City Stadium between 1953 and 68 and then in the 1970s, mostly at Crystal Palace. It has since been held in Scotland and Wales, as well as in Sheffield, Manchester, Gateshead and London.
In the last five years it has been seen in 5 different locations: Gateshead, Parliament Hill, London, Manchester, London Stadium and the University of Stirling. The defending champion is Henry McLuckie (3:53.99).
What will make the 2026 race even more special is that the newly crowned world indoor 3000m champion, Josh Kerrannounced that he would attack 3:43.13 mile world record held by El Gerouj of Morocco since July 1999.. Kerr, who holds the British mile record in May 2024 with a time of 3:45.34, is currently sixth on the world all-time list.
Speaking of his ambitions, dubbed “Project 222′, The two-time Olympic Games medalist said. “This record deserves a home, this record needs to be brought home and this is a British record. This is a British distance. It would be a disservice to Britain not to do this at home.”
He said: “I’m really excited. There are no guarantees in this matter. it is a record worthy of great respect. I believe I honor that by coming out and talking about it. I want to do it with the people behind me. I have a great team.”
The men’s world record attempt will take place at Novuna London Athletics Meeting, Part of the Wanda Diamond League series on Saturday, July 18, with a sell-out crowd of over 50,000 expected.
