The 28^th running of the ACLI Capital Challenge three mile road race took place Wednesday, April 29 in Washington, DC's Anacostia Park. Among the participants leading teams were dozens of Members of Congress, including many committee chairs; Government Agency Heads, including the Secretary of Transportation and the Director of the National Science Foundation; Federal Judges and scores of print and electronic media.   

All teams had to be captained by a US Senator, Representative, Cabinet member or Sub Cabinet Presidential appointee, Federal Judge, On-air Media personality or professional journalist.  Dash Gordon, captained by Representative Bart Gordon, retained its title as the overall fastest team.

Representative Bart Gordon, (D-TN), who graduated to the 60-69 age category this year amazingly remains the fastest man in Congress, notching his 20^th victory (Mike Synar Award) with his 18:49 time.  Representative Jean Schmidt (R-OH) captured her third title as women's Congressional winner, finishing in 23:11.  Representative Gordon's 18:49 also smashed the men's 60-69 age group record of 20:32, set last year by Representative Jim Marshal (D-GA).

The purpose of the ACLI Capital Challenge, which was started in 1981, is to determine who is fittest:  the Legislative Branch, the Executive Branch, the Judicial Branch or the media that covers them, and to raise money for the DC Special Olympics.

Meb Keflezighi, Olympic Silver medalist and U. S. national cross country champion,  the celebrity guest athlete, was the official "whistle blower" and started the runners on their way.  Senator John Thune (R-SD) took home top Senator honors (19:47), dethroning Senator John Ensign (R-NV) by 23 seconds, while Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-TX) repeated as the Senate women's winner (39:32).

Overall winners were Neal Hannan (15:58) from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, and Eve Newman, the daughter of Representative Doug Lamborn (R-WY).  Indiana Senator Richard Lugar (R-IN) continued his streak by finishing his 28^th straight Challenge and led his team to victory in the Senate division.  A record was also set by Judge John Ferren of the DC Superior Court (27:20), 1^st 70+ male captain.

Over 650 participated.  Among the guest runners were DC Mayor Adrian Fenty,  Danish Ambassador to the United States, Friis Arne Petersen, and Indiana Supreme Court Justice Frank Sullivan. 

The ACLI Capital Challenge highlights the ability of many of the nation's busiest leaders to stay fit.  All entry fees go to DC Special Olympics.  The title sponsor, ACLI (American Council of Life Insurers), and contributing sponsors - - AEGON USA, ING, John Hancock, MetLife, New York Life, Northwestern Mutual, Prudential, RGA,  Swiss Re, Western and Southern Financial Group, Roll Call and Winstead Attorneys - - also donated additional funds to DC Special Olympics, as well as paying all race expenses. 

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Click Here for a list of 2009 Award Winners