March 12, 2014

The ACLI Capital Challenge®, the three-mile road race that is one of the Capital’s most enduring sports traditions, is scheduled for Wednesday, May 21 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, print and web journalists. (Team captains must actually complete the course for their team to count.)

“The race promotes healthy living inside the Beltway as many physically fit Washington luminaries set an excellent example on race day each year,” said Race Director Jeff Darman. The ACLI Capital Challenge benefits the Fidelco Guide Dog Foundation, an organization whose mission includes providing life-changing Guide Dogs to blind veterans.

The American Council of Life Insurers (ACLI), the race title sponsor, is a Washington, D.C. based trade association with approximately 300 member companies operating in the United States and abroad. ACLI advocates in federal, state, and international forums for public policy that supports the industry marketplace and the 75 million American families that rely on life insurers’ products for financial and retirement security. ACLI members offer life insurance, annuities, retirement plans, long-term care and disability income insurance, and reinsurance, representing more than 90 percent of industry assets and premiums.

Shalane Flanagan, Olympic Bronze Medalist in the 10,000 meter and an American record holder, is the 2014 Celebrity runner (courtesy of John Hancock) for this year’s event. Flanagan, who is also a 2:25:38 Marathoner (2012 Olympic trials victor), will serve as the official “whistle blower” and start the runners on their way. Then she will jump in and run from the back of the pack.

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 Allianz Life, Guardian, Hannover Life Reassurance Company of America, ING, John Hancock, MassMutual, MetLife, Nationwide, New York Life, One America Financial Partners, Inc., Prudential, RGA, Transamerica, USAA, Western & Southern Financial Group and CQ Roll Call. All entry fees, along with an additional contribution from the sponsors, will go to the Fidelco Guide Dog Foundation, which will result in the donation of a trained Guide dog and services to a blind veteran or immediate family member.

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 5.