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44th Annual Draper Mile (2026) logo

44th Annual Draper Mile (2026)

Fri, Aug 7, 2026, 6:30 PM EDT

Location
Blacksburg, VA
1470 S Main St, Ste 100, 24060
Open in Maps
Featured distance
1 Miles
Type
RUN
Official registration

Sign up and verify details on the organizer’s official page.

At a glance

Experience a fast, downhill mile race finishing amidst the lively Steppin’ Out Festival, complete with competitive heats and a Kids Fun Run.

  • Fun
  • Competitive
  • Festive

Great for

  • Family Friendly
  • Masters (40+)
  • Women’s Focus

The 44th Annual Draper Mile invites runners to a unique downhill road race in Blacksburg, Virginia. This 1-mile event is a highlight of the Steppin’ Out Festival, offering a fast course entirely on Draper Road with a finish line right in the heart of the street festival. It's also the seventh race in the 2026 RunAbout Sports Race Series, attracting competitive runners with elite heats and cash awards. A free Kids Fun Run ensures a welcoming experience for younger participants, making it a vibrant evening for all.

What to expect

  • Run a mostly downhill 1-mile course on paved Draper Road.
  • Finish directly within the vibrant Steppin’ Out street festival.
  • Participate in elite or open heats, or bring the kids for a free fun run.

Standout details

  • Mostly downhill 1-mile course
  • Finish line at Steppin’ Out Festival
  • Elite heats with cash awards
  • Free Kids Fun Run with medals

Perks & features

  • Awards

From the public listing — confirm on the official site.

Auto-drafted from the public listing — confirm details on the official event page before signing up.

Vibe Check

Steady Effort

Hilly road course, warm-day exposure

  • Warm season

The course

  • Road
  • Hilly
  • Family-oriented
From the organizer

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 !

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