Translating lengths into time

[philcski]

5 lengths/second is a horrifically terrible estimation. Don't use that number unless you absolutely insist on losing your money.

Most people consider a "length" to be 8.5 feet. Using this number, there are 621 lengths in a mile; so a mile run in 1:36 (G3 types at Aqueduct) would be an average speed of 6.47 lengths/second (37.5 mph). That same mile in 1:40 (MCL's at Aqueduct) would be 6.21 lengths/second (36 mph).

Likewise, the supposed 4.5F world record of :48.89 would be 7.15 lengths/second, so the true lengths/second (a VELOCITY calculation) differs based on the time and distance.