Nielson Challenge
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Event Overview
The Nielson Challenge is a monthly running event held in North Monument Valley Park. This event is free to enter and requires pre-registration through RunSignup by the Friday before the race. There is no registration available on the day of the event.
Distance
- 2 miles
Course Details
The course consists of a flat 2-mile route within the park. The first mile follows an elongated loop, starting north on the middle trail before turning south on the main trail alongside the creek. The second mile transitions to an out-and-back format, heading south on the main trail and returning north to the finish.
Race Format and Handicap System
The event utilizes a unique handicap system designed to measure personal improvement. During the initial participation, runners establish a base time. This data is used to calculate a handicap for future races using an algorithm that favors beginning and slower runners who show significant time improvements.
Participants compete against their own handicap rather than other runners directly. The individual who improves the most relative to their established handicap is recognized as the winner of the monthly challenge. Because the course remains the same each month, the event serves as a consistent benchmark for tracking personal fitness levels over time.
Recognition
A shirt is awarded at each monthly race to the participant who achieves the greatest improvement over their calculated handicap time. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
