The race is 5.25 miles long because 7 x .75 = <<7*.75=5.25>>5.25
They ran a mile in 8 minutes because 42 / 5.25 = <<42/5.25=8>>8
Last year's winner ran a mile in 9 minutes because 47.25 / 5.25 = <<47.25/5.25=9>>9
They ran 1 minute faster per mile compared to last year's winner.
#### 1