March 7, 2018

The annual ACLI Capital Challenge®, the three-mile road race that is one of the Capital's most enduring and HUGE sports traditions, is scheduled for Wednesday, May 16, at 8:00 A.M. A PAC 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.

Since its inception in 1981, when newspapers still flourished, the race has played host to three 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 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) is a Washington, D.C. - based trade association with approximately 290 member companies operating in the United States and abroad. ACLI advocates in state, federal, and international forums for public policy that supports the industry marketplace and policyholders 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 95 percent of industry assets and premiums, 93 percent of life insurance premiums, and 98 percent of annuity considerations in the United States.

"ACLI is proud to once again sponsor the Capital Challenge that unites all branches of government, the military and the media," said ACLI President and CEO Dirk Kempthorne. "It is an honor to support the inspirational work of the Fidelco Guide Dog Foundation and make a difference in the lives of our nation's veterans."

"The race promotes fitness and bi-partisanship (at least for one morning) in the shadow of the Capitol, as many physically fit Washington luminaries set an excellent example on race day each year," said Director Jeff Darman.

Desiree Linden, a two-time Olympian, a second place finisher at Boston (2:22:38), and a two-time collegiate All-American, will serve as official "whistle blower" and start the runners on their way. She will then 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 the government is the fittest? Supporting sponsors are Aflac, Boston Mutual, Hannover Life Reassurance Company of America, Jackson National, John Hancock, MassMutual, MetLife, Nationwide, New York Life, OneAmerica, Pacific Life, Prudential, RGA, Transamerica, USAA, UTG, Western & Southern Financial Group, and media sponsor 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 and the Worst Name (James B. Kenin Award). There are also team awards for the 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 E. State Street, Ste 15, Kennett Square, PA 19348, 610.925.1976. Entries are also available at www.capitalchallenge.com. Entries close April 26.