GLASGOW : Scotland’s Josh Kerr capped a remarkable two weeks by winning the men’s mile in front of a home crowd at the Commonwealth Games on Saturday, adding another milestone to his glittering season.
The world record holder crossed the line in three minutes 54.12 seconds, finishing ahead of Australia’s Cameron Myers (3:55.26) and Kenya’s Timothy Cheruiyot (3:55.41). Kerr smiled and acknowledged the crowd as he eased across the finish line at Scotstoun Stadium.
“I had some fantastic runners outside me, so that box was always going to open up once everything started to move a little bit,” Kerr said.
“It was just about staying patient, not panicking, and knowing there was going to be space there over the last 200 metres. I just had to take my time and work my way through the box a little bit. That’s racing.”
The victory carried extra significance for Kerr, who has competed at the Glasgow venue since childhood, with the home supporters roaring him to gold.
His triumph came just two weeks after the 28-year-old shattered Hicham El Guerrouj’s 27-year-old world mile record at the London Diamond League, clocking 3:42.66 to lower the previous mark by 0.47 seconds.
“To have a bit of time to enjoy it in the last 100 metres is a memorable experience for me,” Kerr said.
“To do that in front of a home crowd is everything I want to do. It’s been a great two weeks, and I’m glad I’m able to perform on the big days.”
The mile returned to the Commonwealth Games programme for the first time in 60 years, having last featured at the 1966 edition.
