Josh Kerr sets mile world record at Diamond League in London

Josh Kerr sets mile world record at Diamond League in London

Scottish middle-distance runner takes down 27-year-old record

Team Great Britain's Josh Kerr breaks 27-year-old mile world record at Diamond League London

Scottish runner Josh Kerr broke the men's mile world record on Saturday at the Diamond League track and field event in London.

Kerr, a two-time Olympic 1,500m medallist, crossed the line in three minutes 42.66 seconds – eclipsing the mark of 3:43.13 set by Morocco's Hicham El Guerrouj in 1999.

Kerr's shoe sponsor branded the endeavour "Project 222" in reference to the number of seconds in 3:42.

The 28-year-old said after the race that he hopes to ride the momentum from his performance into the Commonwealth Games, which begin on Thursday.

“I feel great right now, lots of adrenaline in the system and I will be out in Glasgow for the Commonwealth Games, for sure," Kerr said. “Every season has to have a peak, and I hope to continue this for another couple of weeks and ride that momentum.”

How to watch the Commonwealth Games on CBC

The Commonwealth Games are back — here's what to know

Earlier at London Stadium, Olympic women's 100m champion Julien Alfred of Saint Lucia (21.66) bested 200m champ, American Gabby Thomas (21.81) in the longer distance.

Last week in Monaco, Alfred defeated Thomas in 21.51 seconds to become the third-fastest women's 200m runner of all time.

Julien Alfred bests Gabby Thomas in Diamond League London 200m Olympic rematch

Nigeria's Kayinsola Ajayi won the men's 100m race, equaling his national record time of 9.84 seconds.

The 100m world champion, Oblique Seville of Jamaica, finished second in 9.87 seconds.

Nigeria's Kayinsola Ajayi ties his own national record in Diamond League London 100m victory