The Nielson Challenge is a 2-mile running race held in Colorado Springs on August 1, 2026. The event takes place in North Monument Valley Park at the intersection of W Fontanero Street and Culebra Avenue. The race starts at 8:00 AM and is free to enter, making it an accessible option for runners of all levels visiting the area. Colorado Springs sits at elevation, so visiting runners may want to account for acclimatization when planning their training schedule leading up to race day.
From the Race Organizer
IF YOU HAVE A FOREVER BIB THERE IS NO NEED TO REGISTER. YOU ARE ALREADY PRE-REGISTERED EACH MONTH. RACE STARTS AT 8:00 A.M. THE START LINE CLOSES AT 8:05 A.M. This is a 2 mile race held the first Saturday of each month. You are running against your handicap, which is computed from your previous results for the last two years. The first time you run this event, you'll establish a base time for yourself. This base time is used to generate a handicap time. The handicap time is calculated using an algorithm developed by Bob Royse, and it's geared to favor a beginning runner and the slower runners. Click here for an explanation of the handicap algorithm. Once you have an established handicap, you are racing against your handicap time. The person who improves the most from their handicap time is the winner. As mentioned before, the handicap does favor a beginning runner or a slower runner who is putting in a lot of quality training time, as it's these types of runners who tend to have significant time improvements running the same course. But the race is also good for established runners and the swift of feet because it gives those runners a good indication of their fitness level. It's the same 2 mile course each month. Thus given similar weather conditions, you have a very good basis to check out your running fitness from month to month. Awards At each monthly race, the person who improves the most over their handicap earns a Nielson shirt. The shirts are generously donated by Michael Schenk of EON Studios, located at 836 N Institute in Colorado Springs (633-7986). Visit EON Studios for all of your screen printing needs. Michael gets his exercise on a bicycle, while his wife Susan does the running in the family.
Hotels Near This Race
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Race Travel Insurance
Don't forget travel insurance for August 1.
You've trained for months and booked a trip to Colorado Springs, CO.
A pre-race injury, a delayed flight, or a family emergency can derail the whole thing.
Travel insurance can help cover your race entry fee, hotel, and flights if you can't make it,
and may cover medical costs if something goes wrong on the course. Plans typically only run
5-7% of your total trip cost — and running events are covered under standard plans with no
additional coverage needed.
Trip cancellation up to 100% of prepaid costs
Running events covered under standard plans — no add-ons needed
Trip interruption up to 150% of non-refundable costs
When is Nielson Challenge 2026 — Colorado Springs, CO?
Nielson Challenge 2026 — Colorado Springs, CO takes place on August 1, 2026. The race is held in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
Where is Nielson Challenge 2026 — Colorado Springs, CO held?
Nielson Challenge 2026 — Colorado Springs, CO is held at North Monument Valley Park, W Fontanero Street & Culebra Ave in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
Where can I find hotels near Nielson Challenge 2026 — Colorado Springs, CO?
RaceHotelFinder shows hotels sorted by distance from the race venue in Colorado Springs. Use the map or list view on this page to compare options and book race weekend accommodation.
