The main dirt oval track at Churchill Downs is exactly 1 mile (1.6 km) in circumference. It is 79–80 feet (24.1–24.4 m) wide, with a wider 120-foot (37 m) section at the starting gate to accommodate the horses for races starting there
. Inside the main track, there is also a turf track that is 7/8 mile (1.4 km) in circumference and 80 feet (24 m) wide
. The Kentucky Derby, which is held at Churchill Downs, is run on the main dirt track but covers a distance of 1 1/4 miles (10 furlongs), meaning the race starts at a point on the track before finishing at the usual finish line
