Photo by Bob Burgess

The ACLI Capital Challenge, the three-mile road race that is one of the Capital's most enduring sports traditions, will be held Wednesday, April 30 at 8:00 A.M. Senators and Congressmen, both experienced and those seeking change from past performances, 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. Last year the race attracted 35 members of Congress and more than 140 teams.

During its 27-year history the race has played host to two US 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. Senator Richard Lugar (R-IN), who has never missed the race, will be leading a team for the 27th time, while members of the media will try to run away from their sources.

Competition is limited to teams led by Senators, Representatives, Cabinet or Sub-Cabinet appointees, Agency Heads, Federal Judges, or TV, radio, and print journalists. (Team captains must actually complete the course for their team to count.)

Our goal is "to avoid leaving footprints, carbon or otherwise," avows Race Director Jeff Darman. "As Director of this race, I see many entrants past their athletic prime, sub prime one might say, but we do get many physically fit Washington luminaries who set an excellent example," said Darman, who conceived of the race in 1981.

The ACLI Capital Challenge, which benefits the District of Columbia Special Olympics, has as its title sponsor ACLI (American Council of Life Insurers). ACLI is a Washington, D.C. based trade association backed by an industry with more than 200 years of experience protecting American families, workers and businesses. ACLI member companies are the leading providers of financial and retirement security products covering individual and group markets. They provide life, long-term care and disability income insurance, annuities, pensions such as 401 (k), 403(b) and 457 plans, IRAs and reinsurance.

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 government is the fittest? Supporting sponsors are ING, MetLife, Northwestern Mutual, The Principal Financial Group, Swiss Re, Roll Call, and Qwest Communications. All entry fees, along with an additional contribution from the sponsors, go to D.C. Special Olympics.

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, the Worst Name (James B. Kenin Award), and the Best Spirit. There are also team awards in Senate, House, Executive Branch, Judicial, and Media (both electronic and print) categories.

Qualified teams may obtain entry forms and information from Jeff Darman, Director ACLI Capital Challenge, 110 East State Street, Suite 15, Kennett Square, PA 19348, 610.925.1976. Entries are also available at www.capitalchallenge.com.

Entries close April 14.