Jamie Dimon, Chairman and CEO of Bank One Corporation, addresses runners at the starting line as Bill Daley, Chairman of the Midwest, JPMorgan Chase, listens in background (left). |
Chicago, June 3, 2004 - Sometimes, you get signs that you have made a wise decision.
Organizers of the Chicago JPMorgan Chase Corporate Challenge certainly got plenty of positive signs on an ideal night for running on the shores of Lake Michigan. There were blue skies, temperatures in the high 50s, and just enough breeze to make you want to pick up the pace.
Since its debut in 1982, Chicago 's most popular corporate/social event had been held on the first Thursday in August. But organizers figured that moving the date of the event to June 3 would increase participation by offering cooler temperatures and a more convenient time for runners, who often found that the August event conflicted with vacations and summer activities.
"We wanted to make this event," said David Fox, head of Investment Banking for JPMorgan Chase in Chicago, "as convenient as possible for all participants."
Judging by the numbers, and at least one award-winning t-shirt, the hunch paid off big.
"We liked the cool new date so much . we thought about changing our name to June-Itech Systems," read the front and back of the shirt from Unitech Systems, Inc.
Participation increases to 14,645
The sentiment was shared by many of the 14,645 participants -- a 17-percent increase over 2003 -- who filled corporate tents spread throughout Grant Park. But, there were other positive signs for a true "feel good" event - such as the finish line tape.
Following their intention to merge earlier this year, Bank One and JPMorgan Chase shared billing on a re-designed finish line tape. Bank One Chairman and CEO Jamie Dimon reinforced the feeling by welcoming the huge throng of runners to the starting line. And Bank One employees added yet another sign of their own with a turnout of nearly a thousand runners.
The increase in attendance was mirrored throughout Grant Park.
"We have 87 runners this year," said Judi Callahan, captain of the Ryerson-Tull team. "This is the 11th year we've participated and the first year, we had five runners. The second year we had 12. Now, it's absolutely not hard for us to fill up our teams because so many people at our company see the benefit, and fun, of this event. We have people who didn't exercise, came to this event, and have continued their quest for physical fitness by walking regularly. It really is a great event for us, and for Chicago."
At CDW, participation jumped from 450 to 505, the second largest team at this year's event.
"That reflects the commitment management has to this event and corporate fitness," said CDW team captain and Fitness Director Laura Bookman. "They let us leave work today at 4 p.m., and chartered four buses to bring us here."
George Amoh (10201) of Liberty Hampshire and Dani Reichler (1104) of Bank Leumi USA head out from the start. |
Martin Slark, CEO of Molex - the world's second-largest manufacturer of electronic interconnection products - has participated in the Chicago Corporate Challenge since the mid-80s. His company fielded a 143-member strong team this year, nearly a quarter of its Chicago-area workforce.
"I started running back in high school in England when I was given a choice of dancing with the girls or running," said Slark. "I might not make the same choice today, but running has been great. We have about 50 plants in 25 countries, so I travel a lot, and running is one of the few sports you can do in any location.
"I think this event is a good thing for team spirit," Slark said. "We encourage our employees to participate in a lot of events and this is a great event to participate in because you don't have to be a star athlete. You can run, you can walk, you can come out and socialize. It's a wonderful opportunity to mix and get out in fresh air. I think it's great that the Bank sponsors this. It gives tremendous support."
Ronnerman, Brooks win female, male titles
Anette Ronnerman and Thomas Brooks, the female and male champions, also have strong feelings about the Chicago Corporate Challenge. Tonight's 20:14 victory was the fourth in the Series for Ronnerman, an American Airlines flight attendant who won here in 1997, 2000 and 2003, and also added a victory last year in Dallas.
"This is one of my favorite races," said Ronnerman. "And, unlike last year when I had to leave right away for a flight to Europe, now I can stay and celebrate."
Brooks, meanwhile, like John Mortimer who won the night before in Boston, is focusing on the steeplechase in the upcoming U.S. Olympic Trials. He cruised here in 17:19 after jumping out to an early lead.
"I was kind of surprised I wasn't challenged," Brooks, representing Deloitte, said. He easily defeated runner-up Dan Mayer of CNA by 28 seconds.
"This event reflects a balance of life and work and it's a wonderful opportunity for me," Brooks said. "I can't say enough about my employer Deloitte in letting me have a similar balance in my life right now. They've allowed me to cut back on my hours and train for the Olympic Trials. I'm definitely a long shot (to qualify for Athens ), but the experience of being in the Trials is something I'll learn from and treasure. I just like this event."
Judging from the signs, many others in Grant Park thought the 2004 JPMorgan Chase Corporate Challenge was one cool event, too.
