A furlong is a unit of distance measurement used in thoroughbred horse racing that equals one-eighth of a mile, or 220 yards (660 feet).
Historical Origins
The term comes from Old English “furlang,” meaning “furrow length” – originally the distance a team of oxen could plow without resting. This agricultural measurement was standardized and eventually became the standard unit for measuring horse race distances.
Sprint Races (shorter distances)
- 5 furlongs = ⅝ mile
- 6 furlongs = ¾ mile (classic sprint distance)
- 7 furlongs = ⅞ mile
Route Races (longer distances)
- 8 furlongs = 1 mile
- 9 furlongs = 1⅛ miles
- 10 furlongs = 1¼ miles (Kentucky Derby distance)
- 12 furlongs = 1½ miles
1 furlong equals:
- 220 yards
- 660 feet
- 201.17 meters
- 1/8 mile