The annual ACLI Capital Challenge footrace is a quirky affair, but is also sneakily competitive, showing off a cross section of Washington’s fitness-obsessed side.
The 3-mile, out-and-back fast track along the Anacostia River has drawn in teams and individuals from Congress, the courts, the executive branch and the media since 1981. With an “atmospheric river” soaking the Washington area since Monday, leading to record rainfall and flooding, competitors wondered if Wednesday morning’s race would be a giant, soggy mess — 528 waterlogged souls slogging through the swampy puddles of Anacostia Park.
No need to worry. The rain tapered off. The clouds held. It was a little humid, but not oppressively so. Jack Butler of National Review finished first overall at 15 minutes, 45 seconds, which is fast by anyone’s standards outside of the Olympics or NFL Scouting Combine.
Rep. Greg Casar, D-Texas, was the fastest member of Congress for the second year in a row, with a time of 20:34.
Judge Jeffrey Arbeit of the U.S. Tax Court was the fastest member of the judicial branch, at 16:58. Solicitor General Dean John Sauer was the fastest member of the executive branch, at 24:54.
There were 528 competitors, and 43 turned in sub-20-minute race times. At the back end of the pack is where one may find the writer of this story: 33:32, good for 458th place.
The American Council of Life Insurers’ race — CQ Roll Call is a sponsor — benefits Junior Achievement USA.
As for the overall competitive nature of the race, while the tone and vibe is cheery and fun, with team names that could be referred to as “Policy Dad Jokes” — Bloomberg’s “So Fast It’s Tarriffying,” U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit Judge Bradley Garcia’s “Run FOIA Lives,” New Hampshire Democratic Rep. Chris Pappas’ “Run Free or Die” are just a few examples — let’s be honest: No one wants to lose to a colleague, member of the other party, journalist who covers you or co-equal branch of government.
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