44th Annual Draper Mile (2026)

Join us for the 44th annual Draper Mile: a 1-mile downhill road race held in conjunction with the Steppin’ Out Festival! The Draper Mile is the 7th race in the 2026 RunAbout Sports Race Series presented by Roots Realty Group.

Draper Mile

The course is mostly downhill and run entirely on Draper Road in Blacksburg with the finish in the middle of the Steppin' Out street festival. Finish times are approximately 10–12 seconds faster than a track mile. | Course Map The 1/4 mile is at Airport Rd, the 1/2 mile is just before Eakin (703 Draper), the 3/4 mile is at Clay St, and the Finish is at Jackson St.

Kids Fun Run

The fun run is free to enter, but you must sign up. The fun run route covers the final 300 meters (less than a lap on a track) of the mile course. The start line is at Washington St and the finish is Jackson St - same finish line as the mile. All fun run finishers receive a medal.

Race Schedule

Friday August 7 (Race Day)

• 2:00 PM - 6:15 PM: Packet pickup at RunAbout Sports
• 6:20 PM: Kids Fun Run (Kent Square)
• 6:30 PM: Men's Elite Mile
• 6:35 PM: Women's Elite Mile
• 6:40 PM: Open Mile Heat 1 (women and men under 8 mins)
• 6:45 PM: Open Mile Heat 2 (women and men over 8 mins)
• 7:20 PM: Awards Ceremony in parking lot at Draper Rd and Jackson St

Race Divisions

• Men's Elite: sub 5:30 mile
• Women's Elite: sub 7:00 mile
• Open: all ages and abilities

Awards

Overall Awards

Only participants entered in the elite races are eligible for overall awards. In the case of ties, cash awards are split.

$500 for a course record (3:52 or faster for men's winner and 4:30 or faster for women's winner). 
$300 - 1st place overall male & female
$200 - 2nd place overall male & female (choose between free shoe gift certificate or $200)
Free shoe gift certificate from RunAbout Sports - 3rd place overall male & female (get what 2nd place does not choose)

Masters, grandmasters, super grandmasters plus age group awards come from the merged elite and open race results

$50 - 1st place masters (age 40-49), grandmasters (age 50-59), and super grandmasters (age 60+) male & female

Age Group Awards

Age divisions: < 9, 10-11, 12-13, 14-16, 17-18, 19-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65+

The top 3 finishers in each age group (above) will receive age group awards. . Masters, grandmasters, super grandmasters plus age group awards will come from the elite and open race merge results. In the case of ties, cash awards are split. Awards will follow the final race (approximately 7:20 pm) on the corner of Jackson & Draper.

Volunteer

Not racing but would like to help out? Volunteer as a course marshal or lead bike here!