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The 42nd ACLI Capital Challenge three-mile run/walk will take place in Anacostia Park in Washington, D.C. at 8 a.m. on Wednesday, May 15. Over 100 teams will take part in the traditional invitational team battle between the Legislative, Executive and Judicial Branches and the media.
Many returning champions are entered, including women’s Senate champ Kyrsten Sinema (I-AZ) and women’s House winner Representative Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA). They will be joined by last year’s fastest Judges Florence Pan and Michael O'Keefe, along with Daniel Koh of the White House, winner in the male subcabinet division. Emma Kumer of the Washington Post is back to defend her titles as the overall women’s champion and fastest female print journalist. Sandra Smith of Fox News will be defending her crown as the fastest female electronic media runner.
"Entries are running ahead of last year as teams vie for bragging rights," said Director Jeff Darman. "It is a perfect race and has been for over 40 years."
Since its inception in 1981, the race has played host to three U.S. Vice Presidents, several Presidential candidates, a Speaker of the House, Majority and Minority leaders of the Senate, three Supreme Court Justices, Cabinet Members, Olympic athletes, 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 complete the course for their team to count.)
All entry fees and an additional donation from the race sponsors will be given to Junior Achievement USA to give young people the knowledge and skills they need to make positive choices, plan for their future, and achieve economic success. Junior Achievement programs serve more than 4.4 million students in all 50 states, providing relevant hands-on experiences that provide vital information related to financial education, work readiness and entrepreneurship.
"Junior Achievement USA greatly appreciates the leadership and commitment from everyone who will participate in the ACLI Capital Challenge, which benefits our organization's financial education initiatives for students across the nation," said Jack E. Kosakowski, President and CEO of Junior Achievement USA.
"The ACLI Capital Challenge is more than just a race," said Susan Neely, President and CEO of the American Council of Life Insurers. "It's a way to make a difference in the lives of the 4.4 million kids served by Junior Achievement USA."
Race participants will have the opportunity to meet and run with Camille Herron, champion ultramathoner. She is a four-time IAU International Ultrarunner of the Year and six-time USATF Ultrarunner of the Year. She is the only athlete who has won all the IAU Ultra Road World Championships (50km, 100km, and 24Hrs.)
Last month she set several world records during the Lululemon Further Event, where she ran 560.33 miles in six days. Camille is also the first ultrarunner to win both the prestigious Comrades Marathon and Spartathlon.
She has set numerous ultra-World and American Records between 50 miles and 48 hours. In 2023, she became the first woman to surpass a men’s American Record, when she improved the women’s 48 Hour World Record by 14.8 miles to 270.505 miles, which also ranks her 3rd best in the world behind only two men. Crossing over to trail running, she won the JFK 50 mile and several other trail races.
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 information from Jeff Darman, Director ACLI Capital Challenge at jdarman@capitalchallenge.com, (610.925.1976). Entries are available online at www.capitalchallenge.com. Entries will close April 21.
Teams are unable to curb their enthusiasm for thinking up clever names for the best and worst team name (James B. Kenin Award) honors. Some top contenders include:
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