Nielson Challenge
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Nielson Two Mile Challenge
The Nielson Two Mile Challenge is a monthly 2 mile handicap race held in North Monument Valley Park as part of a summer series. The event uses the same flat course each month so runners can compare performance across different race dates under similar conditions.
Registration is online through RunSignup and there is no race day registration; pre-registration closes the Friday before the race. Participants are asked to arrive at least 20 minutes early so bibs can be distributed and the race can begin promptly. Participants who arrive after the start may not be timed but may still run without a bib.
On a runner's first appearance they establish a base time. That base time is used to calculate a handicap via an established algorithm. Once a handicap is established, runners compete against their handicap time; the person who improves the most relative to their handicap is the winner. Handicap times and results are updated monthly.
At each monthly race the top improver receives a Nielson shirt; shirts are donated by a local screen printing provider. There is no entry fee and a free lunch is provided.
The course is a flat 2 mile route in North Monument Valley Park. The first mile is an elongated loop heading north on the middle trail then south on the main trail parallel to the creek. The second mile is an out-and-back on the main trail. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
