March 8, 2013

The ACLI Capital Challenge®, the three-mile road race that is one of the Capital’s most enduring sports traditions, is set for Wednesday, May 15 at 8:00 A.M. As usual, a PAC of Senators and Congressmen are expected to 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.

Since its inception in 1981, 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.

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.)

“One of our goals is to promote healthy living inside the Beltway,” said Race Director Jeff Darman. “We get many physically fit Washington luminaries who set an excellent example. Unfortunately perhaps we are an anachronism, bi-partisanship, as teams from both parties compete while displaying camaraderie and humor,” added Darman, who created the race.

The ACLI Capital Challenge, which benefits the Wounded Warrior Project^TM, an organization whose mission is to honor and empower wounded warriors, has as its title sponsor ACLI (American Council of Life Insurers). ACLI is a Washington, D.C. based trade association. ACLI’s 300-plus 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.

Ryan Hall, who has the fastest time by an American at the Marathon (2:04:58 in Boston) and is also the American Half Marathon record holder (59:43), and the first US runner to break one hour, is the 2013 celebrity runner (courtesy of John Hancock) for this years’ event.

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 Guardian, ING, John Hancock, MassMutual, MetLife, Nationwide, New York Life, Prudential, RGA, Transamerica Corporation, Western & Southern Financial Group and CQ Roll Call. All entry fees, along with an additional contribution from the sponsors, will go to the Wounded Warriors Project.

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/web categories).

Qualified teams may obtain entry forms and information from Jeff Darman, Director ACLI Capital Challenge, 110 East State Street, Suite 15, Kennett Square, PA 19348, 610.925.1976. Entries are also available at https://www.capitalchallenge.com/2001_cabinet/registration.html. Entries close May 1.