When is Nielson Challenge?

Nielson Challenge takes place on Feb 7, 2026. This race has already occurred.

Where is Nielson Challenge located?

Nielson Challenge is held in Colorado Springs, Colorado, United States.

What distances are available at Nielson Challenge?

Nielson Challenge offers the following distances: 2M.

How do I register for Nielson Challenge?

You can register for Nielson Challenge through the official registration page.

What is the typical weather for Nielson Challenge?

Based on historical data, you can expect temperatures between 18°F and 45°F on race day. There's approximately a 1% chance of precipitation.

Nielson Challenge (2M) - Feb 7, 2026 | Colorado Springs, CO

The Nielson Challenge, a beloved fixture in Colorado Springs, invites runners of all abilities to North Monument Valley Park on February 7, 2026, for a unique 2-mile race experience. This monthly event, organized by the Pikes Peak Road Runners, stands out with its distinctive handicap system, a tradition since the late 1970s. Instead of simply racing the clock, participants compete against their own handicap time, which is meticulously calculated from past performances over the last two years. This innovative format truly levels the playing field, encouraging beginners and those focused on training to vie for a coveted Nielson shirt by demonstrating the most improvement. Seasoned runners also value the consistent course as an excellent gauge of their ongoing fitness.

The flat, scenic 2-mile course navigates hard-packed dirt and gravel trails within the beautiful North Monument Valley Park. Runners will embark on an elongated loop for the first mile, heading north on the middle trail before turning south along the main trail parallel to Monument Creek. The second mile transforms into an out-and-back section, providing a direct route to push your limits. Starting near the playground at the intersection of W Fontanero Street and Culebra Avenue, the course offers gentle terrain despite a starting elevation of around 6100 feet. Typical race day conditions in early February present crisp highs around 45°F and lows near 18°F, with a minimal 1% chance of precipitation, offering invigorating running weather.

Registration closes the Friday before race morning, with no race-day sign-ups, and the race begins promptly at 8:00 AM, with the start line closing at 8:05 AM. While formal aid stations are not typically a feature of this short, community-focused event, the supportive atmosphere and consistent course provide a perfect opportunity to test your speed and celebrate personal bests.