The Kentucky Derby track length is 1¼ miles, which is equivalent to 10 furlongs or about 2,012 meters. This distance has been the standard since 1896, when the race was shortened from its original 1½ miles (12 furlongs) to better suit three-year-old Thoroughbreds early in the racing season
. The race is run on a dirt track at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, which features a one-mile dirt oval track overall, but the Derby itself covers the 1¼ mile distance starting from a special 65-foot-wide starting gate across the track
. The Kentucky Derby typically takes just around two minutes to complete, earning it the nickname "The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports." The fastest recorded time at this distance is 1:59.4, set by Secretariat in 1973
