Project 222: Inside Josh Kerr's World Record Speed Suit

Josh Kerr has never been afraid to chase ambitious goals. The newly crowned indoor 3000m world champion and one of Britain's greatest middle-distance runners has already established himself among the sport's elite. Now, on 19 July at the London Diamond League, he'll attempt to make history by breaking Hicham El Guerrouj's legendary mile world record of 3:43.13. (223.13 seconds).

Inside Project 222

Project 222 has a simple goal: run one mile in 222 seconds. Achieving it, however, requires a level of preparation, precision and innovation that pushes the boundaries of modern athletics. To maximise every possible advantage, Brooks has worked alongside Josh Kerr to develop a tailored performance system featuring the all-new Hyperion 222 spike and a custom-engineered speed suit, each meticulously designed around the demands of one athlete, one race and one of athletics' most ambitious record attempts.

Want to know what makes it so unique? SportsShoes got an exclusive look at the world-leading technology first hand at Brooks' Seattle Headquarters.

Brooks Hyperion 222 Speed Suit at a glance

The Hyperion 222 Speed Suit

Every element of the Brooks Hyperion 222 Speed Suit has been developed specifically for Kerr's mile world record attempt at the London Diamond League, where temperatures are expected to be warm and every fraction of a second could prove decisive. While the custom Hyperion 222 spikes provide propulsion from the ground, the speed suit has a different role: helping Kerr stay cool, move freely and minimise aerodynamic drag over four laps run at close to 16mph.

Designed for Speed, Engineered for Heat

Running at world-record pace generates an enormous amount of heat, and although the race will last less than four minutes, body temperature rises rapidly at these intensities. Even small improvements in heat management can help an athlete maintain efficiency when operating at their limit.

At speeds approaching 16mph, aerodynamic drag also becomes increasingly significant, making fabric choice, seam placement and garment fit surprisingly important. Brooks' solution is a carefully balanced combination of aerodynamics and breathability, creating a suit designed to keep Kerr moving efficiently without trapping excess heat.

Rather than relying on a single material, the Hyperion 222 Speed Suit uses a two-fabric construction, with different fabrics strategically positioned around the body according to their function. Ventilated panels across the back and sides maximise airflow and allow heat to escape, while the structured stretch fabric used across the front and lower half of the suit delivers support, mobility and targeted ventilation where it's needed most.

One of the suit's standout features is the use of precision laser-cut perforations. Instead of traditional mesh panels, these tiny perforations allow warm air and humidity to escape directly from the body while maintaining the clean, streamlined surface needed for efficient airflow. It's a fine balance between cooling and aerodynamics, two characteristics that don't always work hand in hand.

Freedom to Move

At these top speeds, even slight restrictions in movement can become noticeable. Brooks addressed this by using a highly stretchable perforated fabric through the shorts, allowing a greater range of motion than would be possible with a conventional solid knit material. The result is a suit that moves naturally with Kerr's stride while remaining securely fitted throughout the race.

Every Detail Personalised

Elite athletes often talk about confidence being as important as preparation, and Brooks incorporated Kerr's preferences into every stage of development. They worked closely together throughout the design process, trialling multiple fabric combinations before arriving at the final specification. Rather than simply selecting the lightest or most technical material available, Kerr chose the fabrics that felt most natural and gave him the greatest confidence at race intensity.

That philosophy extended to seemingly small details. Kerr opted for a traditional front zip, favouring its simplicity and familiarity over more experimental alternatives.

The speed suit has also been visually designed to complement Kerr's custom Hyperion 222 spikes. Shared iridescent detailing across both pieces takes inspiration from the reflective lenses of Kerr's signature Oakley sunglasses, creating a cohesive look for what is effectively one integrated performance package.

Like the bespoke spikes, which feature athlete-specific geometry, a custom carbon plate, titanium pins and construction informed by Brooks' Run Research Lab, the speed suit demonstrates just how far modern performance engineering has evolved. It's no longer simply about lighter materials or faster fabrics, but about tailoring every component to the individual athlete and the demands of a single performance.

Whether Project 222 ends with a world record or not, the Brooks Hyperion 222 Speed Suit offers a fascinating glimpse into the future of elite racing apparel. As athletes continue to chase ever smaller marginal gains, biomechanics, aerodynamics and athlete preference are becoming increasingly intertwined. From custom spikes to athlete-specific apparel, every detail has been engineered to help one runner in their pursuit of one of the sports greatest achievements.