So, you're wondering exactly how long the Preakness race is? It’s a bit of a trick question if you look at the history books, but for anyone alive today, the answer is a very specific 1 3/16 miles.
Most people just assume all these Triple Crown races are the same length. They aren't. Not even close. While the Kentucky Derby is a classic 1 1/4 miles and the Belmont Stakes is a grueling 1 1/2-mile "Test of the Champion," the Preakness sits right in the middle—sorta. It is actually the shortest of the three. At 1 3/16 miles (or 9.5 furlongs if you want to sound like a real railbird), it’s a sprint-lover's distance that often rewards the speed demons of the horse racing world.
The Weird History of the Distance
Honestly, the Preakness distance hasn't always been set in stone. It’s been changed more times than a toddler's mind. Since it started back in 1873—which is actually two years before the first Kentucky Derby, by the way—the race has been run at seven different distances.
In the beginning, they had them running 1 1/2 miles. Can you imagine? Then, for one weird year in 1889, they cut it to 1 1/4 miles. By 1909 and 1910, they had shortened it all the way down to a mere mile. It wasn't until 1925 that they finally settled on the current 1 3/16 miles. We’ve stuck with that ever since, mostly because it creates a perfect bridge between the Derby and the Belmont.
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Why 1 3/16 Miles Is the "Sweet Spot"
You've probably noticed that the Preakness often has the same winner as the Kentucky Derby. There's a reason for that. Because the race is a sixteenth of a mile shorter than the Derby, a horse that won at Churchill Downs usually has plenty of "gas in the tank" to handle the slightly shorter trip at Pimlico.
But don't let the shorter distance fool you. It’s a tactical nightmare for jockeys.
The turns at Pimlico are tighter than at Churchill Downs. If a horse doesn't get a good position early, they're basically toast. You’ll see jockeys get much more aggressive in the Preakness because they know they don't have that extra 110 yards to make up ground. It’s basically a high-speed chess match on dirt.
Secretariat and the Speed Record
If we're talking about how long the Preakness takes to run, we have to talk about Secretariat. In 1973, "Big Red" didn't just win; he destroyed the record. But here's the kicker: for decades, nobody actually knew his real time.
The electronic timer malfunctioned on race day and spit out a 1:55.00. The official clocker had it at 1:54 2/5. It took until 2012—nearly 40 years later—for the Maryland Racing Commission to use modern video technology to prove he actually ran it in 1:53 flat. That is still the gold standard. To give you some perspective, the 2025 winner, Journalism, clocked in at 1:55.47. Even the fastest horses today are still chasing a ghost from the seventies.
Quick Breakdown of Triple Crown Distances
- Kentucky Derby: 1 1/4 miles (10 furlongs)
- Preakness Stakes: 1 3/16 miles (9.5 furlongs)
- Belmont Stakes: 1 1/2 miles (12 furlongs)
The 2026 Relocation Shocker
Here is something most casual fans are going to miss. In 2026, the Preakness won't even be at Pimlico. Because the historic Baltimore track is undergoing a massive $400 million reconstruction, the race is moving about 20 miles south to Laurel Park.
There was a lot of chatter about whether the distance would change because of the different track layout at Laurel. Luckily, the racing authorities confirmed they’re keeping the 1 3/16-mile distance intact. It would’ve been a total mess for the record books if they’d messed with it. They plan to be back at a brand-new Pimlico by 2027, but for one year, the "Run for the Black-Eyed Susans" is going on a road trip.
How to Use This Information
If you're betting or just trying to look smart at a watch party, remember that the Preakness distance favors "pacesetters"—horses that like to be near the front early. Unlike the Belmont, where a horse can come from the clouds to win, the shorter 1 3/16-mile trip usually belongs to the horse that can handle a high cruising speed and navigate those tight turns without losing momentum.
Check the past performances for horses that "hit the wall" at the very end of the Kentucky Derby. Those are your prime candidates for the Preakness. That slightly shorter distance might be exactly what they need to stay in front and secure the second jewel of the Triple Crown.
To truly understand how a horse will handle the 1 3/16-mile distance, look up their "furlong times" from the Kentucky Derby; specifically, see how they performed between the mile marker and the 1 1/8-mile pole, as this reflects the exact energy expenditure required for the Preakness.