Draper Mile
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Draper Mile : 44th Annual
The Draper Mile is a one-mile downhill road race held on Draper Road in Blacksburg in conjunction with the Steppin' Out Festival. The course is mostly downhill and finishes in the middle of the street festival on Jackson Street. Finish times are typically about 10 to 12 seconds faster than a track mile.
Key course markers are noted along Draper Road: the quarter mile at Airport Road, the half mile just before Eakin (703 Draper), the three quarter mile at Clay Street, and the finish at Jackson Street.
There is also a Kids Fun Run that covers the final 300 meters of the mile course. The fun run starts at Washington Street and finishes at Jackson Street. The fun run is free to enter but requires registration, and all fun run finishers receive a medal.
Registration details and fees:
- Registration for the mile opens April 5, 2026 and closes May 31, 2026; the entry fee is $21.00.
- Registration for the Kids Fun Run opens March 8, 2026 and closes on race day; the entry fee is $0.00.
Race divisions include Men's Elite (sub 5:30 mile), Women's Elite (sub 7:00 mile), and Open. Overall awards apply only to elite races. Cash prizes and age group awards are offered, including a $500 course record bonus under specified time standards. Packet pickup is available at RunAbout Sports. Awards are presented after the final race at Jackson and Draper. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
