Nielson Challenge
- Date
- July 4, 2026
- Distance
- 8:00 AM Start
From the 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.
Events
Weather
Typical Conditions
It's too far out for a forecast, so here's what weather on this date is normally like in the area. A race day forecast will replace this as race week approaches.
Typical High
86°
Typical Low
57°
Chance of Rain
35%
Based on US Climate Normals data from Colorado Springs Muni Ap, 5 mi from the venue.
Host City
About Colorado Springs, CO
Population
483,099
as of 2023
Elevation
6,118 ft
Nearest Airport
COS
City of Colorado Springs Municipal Airport · 4 mi
Time Zone
Mountain Time
From Endurance Grid
A big city race. Expect multiple lodging options and plenty to do the day before.
Race Location
Your Next Start Line
What Are You
Waiting For?
Every finish line starts with a single decision. Claim your spot at Nielson Challenge, put it on the calendar, and turn “someday” into a start date.
25
Days to train
- Race
- Nielson Challenge
- Date
- July 4, 2026
Coming Up
More Running races near Colorado Springs, CO
June 11 - Intermediate & Skills @ Palmer
Less than a mile away
June 11 - Beginner / Advanced @ Ute
Less than a mile away
The Springs Downhill Mile
Less than a mile away
Treat Trot Colorado Springs
Less than a mile away
From Endurance Grid
About This Sport
Endurance Grid is here to help you understand the sport, decide if it's the right fit, and learn how to prepare. For course distances, logistics, and race-day specifics, always defer to the race organizer's event page.
With running, there's a distance for every fitness level, a community at every start line, and nothing beats the feeling of crossing a finish line you trained for.
Running is an endurance sport that rewards consistency, and showing up every week compounds in ways that will surprise you.
Running
From 5K to marathon, running races are the most accessible entry point into endurance sport. There's a distance for every fitness level and a community at every start line.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What is the Nielson Challenge?
- Nielson Challenge is a running race held in Colorado Springs, Colorado on July 4, 2026. It is one of the many endurance events listed on Endurance Grid, a multi-sport endurance event calendar covering running races, triathlons, HYROX, and more endurance sports across the United States. Find more running races near you or explore our sports guides to learn what race day actually feels like.
- When and where is the Nielson Challenge?
- Saturday, July 4, 2026 in Colorado Springs, Colorado at North Monument Valley Park, W Fontanero Street & Culebra Ave, Colorado Springs, CO. Check the event page for exact start times and wave schedules.
- How do I register for the Nielson Challenge?
- Registration is handled through the event's registration page. Confirm pricing and distances there, and sign up.
Nielson Challenge
Jul 4, 2026