The Kentucky Derby race itself is 1¼ miles long (10 furlongs) and usually lasts about two minutes, which is why it’s nicknamed “the most exciting two minutes in sports.”

A couple of extra quick facts:

  • The distance has been 1¼ miles since 1896.
  • Secretariat set the fastest recorded Kentucky Derby time at 1:59.40 in 1973.

If you’re thinking about the whole TV broadcast or event day, that runs several hours, but the actual race is only those intense two minutes.