Nielson Challenge

Nielson Challenge Race Description

Event Details

• Race Date: July 4, 2026
• Location: North Monument Valley Park, W Fontanero Street & Culebra Ave, Colorado Springs, CO
• Start Time: 8:00 A.M.
• Start Line Closure: 8:05 A.M.

Registration Information

• Forever Bib: If you have a forever bib, there is no need to register. You are already pre-registered each month.

Race Format

• Distance: This is a 2 mile race held the first Saturday of each month.
• Handicap System: You are running against your handicap, computed from your previous results for the last two years.
• Base Time: The first time you run this event, you will establish a base time for yourself, which is used to generate a handicap time.
• Handicap Algorithm: The handicap time is calculated using an algorithm developed by Bob Royse, favoring beginners and slower runners. Click here for an explanation of the handicap algorithm.

Competition

• Winner Determination: The person who improves the most from their handicap time is the winner.
• Inclusivity: The race caters to both beginner and established runners, providing a fitness level indicator with the same 2 mile course each month.
• Weather Consideration: Given similar weather conditions, it offers a consistent way to check running fitness from month to month.

Awards

• Award for Improvement: At each monthly race, the person who improves the most over their handicap earns a Nielson shirt.
• Shirt Donation: The shirts are generously donated by Michael Schenk of EON Studios, located at 836 N Institute in Colorado Springs.
• Contact for EON Studios: 633-7986 for all your screen printing needs.
• Family Exercise: Michael gets his exercise on a bicycle, while his wife Susan does the running in the family.

More Information

• Race URL: Nielson Challenge