February 26, 2009

The ACLI Capital Challenge, the three-mile road race that is one of the Capital’s most enduring sports traditions, is set for Wednesday, April 29 at 8:00 A.M.  Dozens of Senators and Congressmen will take part in the traditional invitational team battle between the Legislative, Executive and Judicial Branches and the Media in Washington, D.C.’s Anacostia Park.  Last year the race attracted 34 members of Congress and over 140 teams.

Over its 28 year history the race has played host to two U.S. Vice Presidents, several Presidential candidates, scores of congressional committee chairs, Majority and Minority leaders of the Senate, Supreme Court Justices, Cabinet Members and many members of the media.  Senator Richard Lugar (R-IN), who has never missed the race, will be leading a team for the 28^th time. 

Competition is limited to teams led by Senators, Representatives, Cabinet or Sub-Cabinet appointees, Agency Heads, Federal Judges, or TV, radio and print journalists.  (Team captains must actually complete the course for their team to count.)

The stimulus for the large participation appears to be a desire to avoid a sub-prime physical condition.  “Our goal is to promote a slimmed down government,” said Race Director Jeff Darman.  “We get many physically fit Washington luminaries who set an excellent example,” said Darman, who conceived of the race in 1981.  “And we are one of the last examples of true bi-partisanship in Washington, as teams from both parties compete while displaying good humor, if not great athleticism,” he added.

The ACLI Capital Challenge, which benefits the District of Columbia Special Olympics, has as its title sponsor ACLI (American Council of Life Insurers).  ACLI is a Washington, D.C. – based trade association.  ACLI’s 340 member companies offer life insurance; annuities; pensions, including 401(k)’s; long-term care insurance; disability income insurance; reinsurance; and other retirement and financial protection products.

The event is designed to highlight the fitness of many of the Capital’s busiest leaders and tries to answer the question: which branch of government is the fittest?  Supporting sponsors are AEGON USA, ING, John Hancock, New York Life, Northwestern Mutual, MetLife, Prudential, RGA, Roll Call, Swiss Re and Western & Southern Financial Group.  All entry fees, along with an additional contribution from the sponsors, go to D.C. Special Olympics.

The ACLI Capital Challenge not only recognizes the swiftest participants with awards for the fastest Senator, Representative (Mike Synar Award), Independent Agency Head, Sub-Cabinet Appointee, Federal Judge and journalist in male and female categories, but also rewards teams with the Best Name, the Worst Name (James B. Kenin Award) and the Best Spirit.  There are also team awards in Senate, House, Executive Branch, Judicial and Media (both electronic and print) categories.