The Emsley Carr Mile has a very special place in world middle distance running, from Gordon Pirie (the inaugural winner in 1953), Kip Keino, Jim Ryan, David Moorcroft, Seb Coe, Steve Ovett, John Walker, Said Aouita, Haile Gebreslassie, Hicham El Guerrouj and Jake Wightman to name a few. A veritable who’s who of all time men’s middle distance stars, and Josh Kerr now joins the pantheon of greats, with the fastest ever mile, 3:42.66, a world record and a truly generational defining run.
How proud we were to see our very own Arlo Ludewick, the Herne Hill Harrier, immaculate in the famous red and black, racing on the biggest stage of his life. Following his brilliant British Championships victory, and a massive PB of 3:33.07 and European Qualifying Time, Arlo was invited to the London Stadium. What an opportunity for a huge talent.
Arlo held off the world record pace in the early stages, running with the second group, and looked stronger as the race progressed. His tactics were perfect, making the right moves through the field at key points. Arlo passed the 1500 mark in a remarkable 3:32.92, to surpass his Club and Surrey County Record, and stormed the final 100 metres to finish 6th in 3:48.17, a 9 second revision to his PB and Club Record. What a run. Incredibly, this elevates Arlo to 8th on the UK all time rankings, ahead of greats that include Steve Ovett and Peter Elliott.
Arlo is coached by British Milers Club President, Norman Poole, who has kindly given his take on Arlo’s run:
“Another club record in the Red and Black hoops which I know he is very proud to wear. Perhaps a ‘Mile World Record in a Club Vest’! I know there is more to come, providing he starts more quickly; there was confusion due to a double row start so he was in last or next to last until 1100, but then he showed what he is made of.”
No cap should be placed on Arlo’s potential. These are exciting times indeed for our number one male middle distance athlete, with plenty of opportunities remaining in this 2026 track and field season.
✍️: @keithnewton6
📸: @crisp.visions