The 44th Annual Draper Mile takes place at 1470 S Main St in Blacksburg, Virginia, on August 7, 2026. This running event offers two distances: a 1-mile race and a 300-meter option, making it accessible to runners of varying abilities. The race starts at 6:20 PM, providing an evening competition window. Entry fees range from free to $30, depending on registration details. Blacksburg's location in southwestern Virginia makes it reachable for regional runners, and the downtown venue provides a community-based race experience. Whether you're targeting a competitive mile or looking for a shorter distance option, this long-established annual race offers an affordable entry point for your August racing schedule.
From the Race 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 !
Hotels Near This Race
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44th Annual Draper Mile (2026) 2026 — Blacksburg, VA
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Race Travel Insurance
Don't forget travel insurance for August 7.
You've trained for months and booked a trip to Blacksburg, VA.
A pre-race injury, a delayed flight, or a family emergency can derail the whole thing.
Travel insurance can help cover your race entry fee, hotel, and flights if you can't make it,
and may cover medical costs if something goes wrong on the course. Plans typically only run
5-7% of your total trip cost — and running events are covered under standard plans with no
additional coverage needed.
Trip cancellation up to 100% of prepaid costs
Running events covered under standard plans — no add-ons needed
Trip interruption up to 150% of non-refundable costs
When is 44th Annual Draper Mile (2026) 2026 — Blacksburg, VA?
44th Annual Draper Mile (2026) 2026 — Blacksburg, VA takes place on August 7, 2026. The race is held in Blacksburg, Virginia.
Where is 44th Annual Draper Mile (2026) 2026 — Blacksburg, VA held?
44th Annual Draper Mile (2026) 2026 — Blacksburg, VA is held at 1470 S Main St in Blacksburg, Virginia.
Where can I find hotels near 44th Annual Draper Mile (2026) 2026 — Blacksburg, VA?
RaceHotelFinder shows hotels sorted by distance from the race venue in Blacksburg. Use the map or list view on this page to compare options and book race weekend accommodation.
