Nielson Challenge
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Nielson Two Mile Challenge
The Nielson Two Mile Challenge is a free, recurring running event that uses a handicap scoring system so competitors race against an individualized target time. A runner's first recorded result on the course establishes a base time; that base time is used to generate a handicap that favors beginning and slower runners. Once a handicap is established, participants are ranked by how much they improve compared to their handicap. Results and handicap times are updated monthly after each event so past and current performances can be compared.
Entry requires pre-registration through RunSignup and there is no race-day registration. Organizers ask participants to arrive early for bib distribution; late arrivals may run untimed.
The course is a flat 2 miles in North Monument Valley Park. The first mile follows an elongated loop: north on the middle trail then south on the main trail running parallel to the creek. The second mile is an out-and-back on the main trail, heading south then returning north on the same path.
At each monthly race the person who improves the most relative to their handicap receives a Nielson shirt. Shirts are donated by a local screen-printing studio. There is no entry fee and a free lunch is provided.
Contact is managed by the event organizers; specific contact names and addresses are not provided here. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
