April 12, 2007

The annual ACLI Capital Challenge returns on Wednesday, May 2 at 8:00 a.m. in Washington, DC’s Anacostia Park. Perhaps better known for its irreverence and political humor than its athletic prowess, the three-mile race is attracting the usual VIP cast. Last year, the event’s 25th anniversary attracted 39 members of Congress along with scores of high-ranking political appointees, television correspondents, print reporters, Federal Judges and other Washington VIP’s. 

Teams are captained by U.S. Senators, Representatives, Cabinet Members, Sub-Cabinet appointees, Federal Judges, On-Air personalities and professional print journalists. Each CAPTAIN has to finish for their team to count. This invitational team competition started in 1981 and continues to spotlight the fitness of many of the country’s busiest leaders. Senator Richard Lugar, has never missed finishing the race and will be leading his team for the 26th time. 

The race is sponsored by ACLI (American Council of Life Insurers), a Washington D.C. based trade association. Its nearly 400 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 ACLI Capital Challenge annually settles the question of what branch of the federal Government is the fittest. Or will the media end up on top? All entry fees as well as an additional donation from the sponsors goes to D.C. Special Olympics

Special Attraction

On hand for this year’s race will be 2007 celebrity runner Kathrine Switzer, author of several books including her new memoir, Marathon Woman: Running the Race to Revolutionize Women’s Sports. 

Kathrine was the first woman to officially enter the Boston Marathon, won the 1974 New York Marathon, is an Emmy award winning television commentator and was a leader in making the women’s marathon an official event in the Olympic Games (1984).

The race motto continues to be “no congressman left behind,” said Race Director Jeff Darman. “My role in life continues to be making members of congress and the media break out in a sweat.” He also noted that spirited competition is being waged in the battle for Best and Worst Named Team awards. According to senior race officials, some early contenders and captains include:

The riverfront course is out and back in Anacostia Park (just over the Souza Bridge - Pennsylvania Avenue). After the race, runners will enjoy a catered continental breakfast with pure spring water compliments of Qwest Communications. Sponsors in addition to ACLI and Qwest Communications include ING, MetLife, Northwestern Mutual, The Principal Financial Group, Swiss Re and Roll Call. Qualified teams may obtain information from Jeff Darman, Director, ACLI Capital Challenge, 110 East State Street, Suite 15, Kennett Square, PA, 19348, 610-925-1976 or from www.capitalchallenge.com. 

ENTRIES CLOSE APRIL 16.