Josh Kerr and Jakob Ingebrigtsen prepare for upcoming 1500m race in Budapest
2 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 9, 2026, 3:00 PM
Last updated Sep 9, 2026
Josh Kerr is scheduled to face rival Jakob Ingebrigtsen at the World Athletics Ultimate Championship in Budapest this weekend. Both runners received special invitations to the event after failing to qualify through standard criteria. Tensions between the two athletes have escalated following public remarks from Ingebrigtsen regarding Kerr's decision to skip the European Championships earlier this season. While Kerr maintained he is focused on his specific performance goals, he acknowledged the heightened energy surrounding the rivalry. The men’s 1500m race marks their first head-to-head meeting in two years. Ingebrigtsen recently criticized his peers as cowards during the Diamond League Final, setting an intense tone for the upcoming competition.
- •Josh Kerr and Jakob Ingebrigtsen compete in the men's 1500m in Budapest this weekend.
- •Both athletes were granted exceptional invitations to the inaugural World Athletics Ultimate Championship.
- •The pair have not raced against each other since September 2024.
- •Ingebrigtsen previously criticized competitors for missing major championships to prioritize training schedules.
- •Kerr stated he manages his race frequency to prevent injury and maintain long-term career viability.
- 3:00 PMYahoo Sports — 'I'm not a robot' - Kerr responds to criticism before Ingebrigtsen reunion
- 3:00 PMBBC Sport — 'I'm not a robot' - Kerr responds to criticism before Ingebrigtsen reunion
"Josh Kerr says he is "very happy" to see Jakob Ingebrigtsen back competing - but he is "not going to lose" when they resume their fierce rivalry this weekend.
"Josh Kerr says he is "very happy" to see Jakob Ingebrigtsen back competing - but he is "not going to lose" when they resume their fierce rivalry this weekend.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsSep 9, 2026, 3:00 PM'I'm not a robot' - Kerr responds to criticism before Ingebrigtsen reunion
Josh Kerr says he is "very happy" to see Jakob Ingebrigtsen back competing - but he is "not going to lose" when they resume their fierce rivalry this weekend.
- BBC SportSep 9, 2026, 3:00 PM'I'm not a robot' - Kerr responds to criticism before Ingebrigtsen reunion
Josh Kerr says he is "very happy" to see Jakob Ingebrigtsen back competing - but he is "not going to lose" when they resume their fierce rivalry this weekend.
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