Nielson Challenge

Event Overview

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

Pre-Registration Information

• Forever Bib: If you have a Forever Bib, there is no need to register. You are already pre-registered each month.
• Monthly Race: This is a 2 mile race held the first Saturday of each month.
• Handicap System: You will be running against your handicap, computed from your previous results over the last two years.
• Base Time: The first time you run this event, you will establish a base time to generate a handicap time.

Handicap Details

• Algorithm: The handicap time is calculated using an algorithm developed by Bob Royse, favoring beginning and slower runners.
• Race Against Yourself: Once established, you are racing against your handicap time.
• Winner Determination: The person who improves the most from their handicap time is the winner.
• Course Consistency: The race uses the same 2 mile course each month for consistent fitness tracking.

Awards

• Monthly Recognition: The person who improves the most over their handicap earns a Nielson shirt.
• Shirt Sponsor: Shirts are generously donated by Michael Schenk of EON Studios, located at 836 N Institute in Colorado Springs.
• Contact: EON Studios can be reached at 633-7986 for all screen printing needs.
• Active Family: Michael gets his exercise on a bicycle, while his wife Susan does the running in the family.

Additional Information

• For More Details: Visit the race page at Nielson Challenge.
• Competitive Edge: This race format provides a good indication of fitness levels for all runners.
• Training Benefits: Especially beneficial for those putting in quality training time and looking for significant improvements.
• Family-Friendly: Suitable for runners of all levels, fostering a supportive community environment.