April 30, 2014

The ACLI Capital Challenge three mile road race returns to Washington, D.C.’s Anacostia Park on Wednesday, May 21 at 8:00 a.m. Who will cross the finish line first and run off with team honors─an unknown known? The event attracts scores of members of Congress, high-ranking political appointees, Generals, Admirals, television correspondents, print and web reporters, Federal Judges and other Washington VIPs, who will compete on over 140 teams.

Known for its irreverence and political humor, the race is drawing the usual VIP cast. Teams are captained by U.S. Senators, Representatives, Cabinet Members, Sub-Cabinet appointees, Federal Judges, On-Air personalities and professional print and web journalists. Each captain must finish for his or her team to score. The race, which started in 1981, spotlights the fitness of many of the country’s busiest leaders, including many Senate and House Committee Chairs and ranking members.

The ACLI Capital Challenge benefits the Fidelco Guide Dog Foundation. All entry fees and additional donations from the race sponsors will be used to provide a life-changing Fidelco Guide Dog and services to a blinded veteran or immediate family member to support increased independence, mobility and safety.

The race’s title sponsor is the American Council of Life Insurers (ACLI), 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.

Official whistleblower Shalane Flanagan will start the runners on their way. Flanagan, who is an Olympic Bronze Medalist in the 10,000 and holds multiple American Records, is the 2014 celebrity runner (courtesy of John Hancock). She was the 2012 Olympic trials Marathon victor and ran a personal best time of 2:22:02 at the recent Boston Marathon. She led the race for 17 miles and was the first American female finisher.

The ACLI Capital Challenge annually settles the question of which branch of the federal Government is the fittest. Or will the media end up on top? As usual there is spirited competition for the best and worst team name (James B. Kenin Award) honors. Some early contenders include:

The riverfront course is out and back in Anacostia Park. After the race, runners will enjoy a catered breakfast (TARP, Tired Athletes Refreshment Program) and pure spring water compliments of MetLife. Sponsors in addition to ACLI are Allianz, Guardian, Hannover Re, ING, John Hancock, MassMutual, MetLife, Nationwide, New York Life, One America, Prudential, RGA, Transamerica, USAA, Western and Southern Financial Group and CQ Roll Call.

Entries Close May 5