Corporate Challenge

On Wednesday September 17 seven colleagues from work and I were among the 5,693 participants and 259 companies completing in the JP Morgan Chase Corporate Challenge. This year my company, Standard & Poor's, had enough people to form two teams, one male and one coed. Last year Matt Reining, Paul Dyson and I were our only representatives. This year we had as many as 12 individuals who considered running, and with that level of interest the event became more than a few people running and going home. Our office purchased shirts for everyone, and we had an awards ceremony.

The photo above shows most of our team. First Row: Shannon Groff, me, Le Quach. Second Row: Rob Williams, Matt Reining, Paul Dyson, Gabe Petek. Not Pictured: Ian Carroll.

Race night featured near-perfect weather. It was a bit cool, sunny, with a slight wind. The site of the race is Crissy Field, which is just east of the Golden Gate Bridge. After checking in our gear and taking a team photo, we prepared for the start. I ran the first mile in 5:15, aided by a slight tail wind. My big concern was the middle of the race, which faces the wind blowing east through the Golden Gate. Last year I felt like I was towing a trailer, but this year the breeze was slight and I didn't slow as much. I finished the 3.5 miles in 20:42, 12 seconds faster than last year.

Following the race we held an S&P awards ceremony at Amici's East Coast Pizza. All participants received medals in various categories.

Male Team: total time 1:40:15

Ian Carroll: 26:29

Paul Dyson: 27:08

Rob Williams: 25:56

Larry Witte: 20:42

Coed Team: total time 2:08:57

Shannon Groff: 34:54

Gabe Petek: 28:55

Le Quach: 37:32

Matt Reining: 27:36

Awards:

Ian Carroll: Most Improved Player, based on his participation this year after having to miss last year's race due to a conflict.

Paul Dyson: Mr. Consistency, since he placed well in many categories but didn't surpass everyone in any particular one.

Shannon Groff: Katherine Switzer Award, since Shannon was the first woman to sign up and she along with Le were the first women in our office history to participate in the race. Katherine Switzer was the first woman to run the Boston Marathon.

Gabe Petek: Manager of the Year, since six of his direct reports ran the race.

Le Quach: Smallest Foot

Matt Reining: AAA Award, since he was the best predictor of his finishing time.

Rob Williams: Biggest Foot

Our turnout was terrific and enthusiasm was high after the race. Everyone wants to participate next year, and perhaps we'll get a few more to enjoy the event.