What Is a Quarter Mile Run?

A quarter mile run is a sprint covering exactly 1,320 feet (402.336 meters). This distance has significant importance in both automotive racing and track athletics.

Quick Facts

Aspect	Details
Distance	1,320 feet / 402.336 meters
Track equivalent	400 meters (close approximation)
Track laps	1 lap on standard outdoor track
Primary uses	Drag racing, athletics, fitness

In drag racing, the quarter mile has been the standard race distance since the 1950s. Racers compete to cover this distance in the shortest time possible, with "elapsed time" (ET) being the primary measurement.

Typical Quarter Mile Times

Vehicle Type	Quarter Mile ET
Economy car	16-18 seconds
Average sedan	14-16 seconds
Sports car	12-14 seconds
Muscle car	11-13 seconds
Modified race car	9-11 seconds
Pro Stock	6-7 seconds
Top Fuel Dragster	3.6-3.8 seconds

What Makes a Good ET?

For street-legal vehicles:

Under 14 seconds - Considered fast
Under 12 seconds - Very quick
Under 10 seconds - Exceptionally fast
Under 8 seconds - Professional-level performance

Quarter Mile in Track & Field

The 400 Meter Race

In athletics, the 400-meter race is the closest equivalent to the quarter mile. While technically 2.336 meters shorter, it's often called the "quarter mile" colloquially.

400m Race Characteristics

The 400m is one of the most challenging track events because it:

Requires both speed and endurance
Is run at near-maximum effort throughout
Demands excellent pacing strategy
Causes significant lactate buildup

Expected Times by Level

Level	Men's Time	Women's Time
Beginner	70-80s	80-90s
Recreational	60-70s	70-80s
High School	50-60s	58-68s
College	46-52s	52-60s
Elite	44-47s	49-53s
World Class	under 44s	under 49s

World Records

Men: 43.03 seconds (Wayde van Niekerk, 2016)
Women: 47.60 seconds (Marita Koch, 1985)

Training for a Quarter Mile Run

For Runners

Speed Work
- 200m repeats at race pace
- 300m intervals with full recovery
- Flying 100m sprints
Endurance Building
- 600m runs at 85% effort
- 800m tempo runs
- Long intervals (2x500m)
Strength Training
- Squats and lunges
- Plyometric exercises
- Core strengthening

Sample Training Week

Day	Workout
Monday	4x300m at race pace, 5 min rest
Tuesday	Easy 3-mile jog
Wednesday	8x100m sprints, 2 min rest
Thursday	Rest or cross-training
Friday	2x600m at 85%, 8 min rest
Saturday	Time trial or race
Sunday	Complete rest

Quarter Mile Walk vs Run Times

Activity	Time
Slow walk (2 mph)	7.5 minutes
Normal walk (3 mph)	5 minutes
Brisk walk (4 mph)	3.75 minutes
Jogging (6 mph)	2.5 minutes
Running (8 mph)	1.875 minutes
Fast run (10 mph)	1.5 minutes
Sprint (15 mph)	1 minute