The Kentucky Derby race is run at a distance of 1¼ miles (10 furlongs), which is equivalent to 2,012 meters or 2,200 yards. The race consists of one full lap around the Churchill Downs oval racecourse, which itself is a 1-mile track. The starting gates are positioned so that the horses complete exactly 1¼ miles by the time they reach the finish line in front of the grandstand

. Originally, when the Kentucky Derby began in 1875, the race was 1½ miles long (12 furlongs), but it was shortened to 1¼ miles in 1896 as the longer distance was considered too demanding for three-year-old horses early in the season

. In summary:

• Distance: 1¼ miles (10 furlongs, 2,012 meters)
• Number of laps: 1 full lap around Churchill Downs
• Track length: Churchill Downs oval is 1 mile long, so the race starts partway around the track to total 1¼ miles

This distance has been standard for the Kentucky Derby since 1896.