The 26th running of the ACLI Capital Challenge, a three mile race that took place Wednesday, May 2 in Washington, DC’s Anacostia Park, boasted a record field and raised over $17,000 for DC Special Olympics, also a record. Thirty-five Members of Congress, the Veteran’s Affairs Secretary and many other Agency Heads, Federal Judges and scores of print and electronic media were among the over 750 runners taking part. DC Mayor Adrian Fenty also participated. Teams were 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.

Started in 1981, the purpose of the ACLI Capital Challenge 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.

Kathrine Switzer, the celebrity guest athlete, was the “official whistle blower” for the race and started the runners on their way. Senator John Thune (R-SD) took home top Senator finish honors (19:10), in the process beating two former winners, Senators John Ensign (R-NV) and John Sununu (R-NH). Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-TX) repeated as the Senate women’s winner. 

Representative Bart Gordon (D-TN) remains the fastest man in Congress (Mike Synar Award) with his 18:24 time. Representative Jean Schmidt (R-OH) captured her first title as women’s Congressional winner, finishing in 22:41 and beating a 16-year-old record by more than two minutes. Representative Jane Harman (D-CA) lowered her age 60-69 female captain record to 29:07.

Overall winners were the Navy’s Michael Padilla (15:11) and Dash Gordon’s Laura Turner (17:09). Indiana Senator Richard Lugar (R-IN) continued his streak by finishing his 26th straight Challenge. 

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 — ING, MetLife, Northwestern Mutual, The Principal Financial Group, Swiss Re, Qwest Communications and Roll Call — also donated additional funds to DC Special Olympics, as well as paying all race expenses. 

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