Hicham El Guerrouj’s 3:43.13 mile record, set in 1999, still defines the ultimate target for Josh Kerr, who on 30 Jun 2024 disclosed his altitude‑chamber plan to shatter it.
How is Kerr training to beat El Guerrouj?
Kerr and his wife, dermatologist Larimar, turned their Albuquerque bedroom into a simulated 8,000‑foot chamber. He spends roughly 12 hours there each day – eight overnight and a two‑hour nap in the afternoon. The altitude boost forces his body to produce more red blood cells, a classic endurance edge.
What recent performance shows the record is within reach?
During a track session, Kerr ran four 800‑metre repeats. The first two were timed at 1:59, while the next two hit 1:50.51 and 1:49.9 – faster than the pace required for El Guerrouj’s mile record. He called the effort a “huge confidence boost” in his own Telegraph piece.
Why does the El Guerrouj benchmark matter now?
El Guerrouj’s record has survived 25 years, standing as the gold standard for middle‑distance runners. Kerr’s coach, Danny Mackey, structures training around a “funnel periodisation” model, narrowing volume as the target race approaches. By matching or exceeding the record’s split times at altitude, Kerr proves his physiology can handle sea‑level speed.
What does the rest of Kerr’s program look like?
Kerr runs hard on Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays, while Monday, Wednesday and Thursday are reserved for recovery miles of 7‑10 mi. Saturdays are completely off. Strength sessions last up to 90 minutes on his hard‑run days, and plyometrics fill Thursdays. This blend of volume, intensity and altitude exposure mirrors the regimen that helped El Guerrouj dominate the 1500 m and mile in his era.
When could we see a new mile record?
Kerr’s next major target is a sea‑level attempt later this year, likely at a fast, paced meet in Europe. If his altitude work continues to translate, the 3:43.13 barrier could finally fall, ending El Guerrouj’s long reign.
Who else is watching?
World‑class milers and commentators have noted Kerr’s 800‑metre splits as a clear signal. Even El Guerrouj’s former coach, Mohamed Salah, remarked that “seeing a runner hit sub‑1:50 at altitude is rare and suggests a genuine chance at the record.”
What’s the broader impact on middle‑distance training?
If Kerr succeeds, altitude‑chamber living may become a staple for elite milers, shifting the training landscape away from traditional high‑altitude camps. The sport could see a wave of athletes adopting similar setups, all chasing the shadow of El Guerrouj’s legendary mark.