44th Annual Draper Mile (2026)

The Draper Mile is a one-mile road race on Draper Road in Blacksburg, Virginia, held during the Steppin’ Out Festival on the first weekend in August. It is part of the RunAbout Sports Race Series. The format is straightforward: a fast mile down the street, finishing at Jackson Street in the festival's center. The downhill grade typically results in finish times 10 to 12 seconds quicker than a track mile. The course is entirely on Draper Road, passing Airport Road at the quarter mile, reaching the halfway point just before Eakin, and hitting three-quarters at Clay Street before the Jackson Street finish. The race divides runners into a men’s elite mile, a women’s elite mile, and open heats by pace, combining competitive racing with community running. A free Kids Fun Run covers the final 300 meters, starting at Washington Street and using the same Jackson Street finish, with medals for all child finishers. The race, which started in 1982 with 97 participants, now attracts hundreds of finishers.