The term for a horse race that is longer than a mile is known as a route. In the horse racing world, distances can vary, but races over a mile typically fall into two categories: sprints (less than a mile) and routes (longer than a mile). Routes can vary significantly in length, often stretching from 1 1/16 miles to several miles, depending on the race type. Such races test the horses' endurance and stamina, making route races a great challenge for equine athletes and jockeys alike.