Great Britain's Josh Kerr says he is "very happy" to see Jakob Ingebrigtsen back competing but insists he is "not going to lose" when they resume their rivalry at the World Athletics Ultimate Championship in Budapest. Their feud reignited after Ingebrigtsen criticised Kerr for missing the European Championships, where he won 5,000m gold returning from injury. Kerr acknowledged Ingebrigtsen's status as one of the best 1500m and 5,000m runners ever but predicted he might struggle early back from a long-term Achilles issue.

The two have not raced head-to-head since September 2024, when Ingebrigtsen beat Kerr at the Zurich Diamond League. Kerr skipped the Europeans to focus on breaking the mile world record in London and winning Commonwealth gold in Glasgow, while Ingebrigtsen criticised such choices as "ruining" the sport. Both athletes received special invitations to the Ultimate Championship after failing to qualify, with Kerr noting the event will bring "a lot more energy" due to their presence.

Kerr, 28, defended his selective racing approach, saying he aims for longevity in a 10-12 year career and won't get greedy despite recent success, including his 2023 world title and indoor 3,000m reclaim in March. Ingebrigtsen, 25, won Olympic gold in 2021 and is aiming to re-establish dominance after his injury layoff. The championship will be held at the same stadium where Kerr defeated Ingebrigtsen for world 1500m gold in 2022.