How many lengths in a furlong?
That’s a tough one. Let’s see if we can figure it out. A length is usually calculated as a fifth of a second. An average thoroughbred will race a furlong in about 12 seconds, depending on the length of the race and the quality of the horse. So, that would make it 60 lengths in a furlong (12 seconds x 5 lengths per second). Since a furlong is one eighth of a mile, which is 660 feet, that would make a length equal to 11 feet (660 feet divided by 60 lengths). That sounds about right for a thoroughbred in full stride.
