how long is the race distance for the kentucky derby race

The race distance for the Kentucky Derby is 1¼ miles (1.25 miles), which is equivalent to 10 furlongs or about 2,012 meters. This distance has been in place since 1896, when the race was shortened from its original 1½ miles (12 furlongs) to the current length to better suit three-year-old Thoroughbreds early in the spring. The Kentucky Derby is run as a single lap around the Churchill Downs track in Louisville, Kentucky