Chicago
Chicago has earned its title of largest single-night Corporate Challenge
At the healthy age of 42, Chicago sets a high standard for J.P. Morgan Corporate Challenge participation in the United States, and there is no shortage of companies that will testify to its long-standing excellence.
For instance, here is why life insurance company EquiTrust is an annual participant.
“At EquiTrust, we believe in the power of connection – both with each other and within our community,” said Katherine Ganser, team captain for EquiTrust. “The J.P. Morgan Corporate Challenge is a fun, energizing way to promote wellness, camaraderie, and a little friendly competition among coworkers. It’s more than just a race; it’s a celebration of teamwork and the spirit that drives us forward together.”
The 42nd running of the J.P. Morgan Corporate Challenge Chicago was, in a word, huge and, for another, festive. The 3.5-mile run/walk Challenge at Grant Park attracted a crowd of 18,476 entrants from 480 companies, a healthy 11% increase from 2024. It is annually the largest single-night Corporate Challenge in the United States and the second largest single-night event in the entire Series, trailing only Frankfurt, Germany.
Hundreds of company hospitality tents covered more than four city blocks within Grant Park. Among them was the Chicago Board Options Exchange (Cboe), which finds its participation has a literal feel good quality.
“At Cboe, we support our associates’ total wellbeing so they can thrive inside and outside of work," said Jamie Sowski, Senior Events Manager and Corporate Challenge team captain at Cboe. "Participating in the J.P. Morgan Corporate Challenge across our global offices reflects that commitment. With one of the largest teams in the Chicago race, it's a great opportunity to connect with our colleagues, get active and give back to the community.”
Event owner and operator JPMorganChase brought 1,650 of its employees to the Columbus Drive starting line. Eleven other companies registered 200 or more: United Airlines (482 participants), CME Group (313), Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois (260), Northern Trust (237), Molex (229), Mars (226), McDonald’s (216), University of Chicago (210), Capital One (200), EY (200), and Medline Industries (200).
For CME Group, big participation is not just limited to Chicago. The financial services company also registers employees for Corporate Challenges in Hong Kong, London, New York, and Singapore.
"CME Group has been a long-time participant in the J.P. Morgan Corporate Challenge, and we are very pleased to have assembled one of the largest teams in this year's race,” said Hilda Harris Piell, Chief Human Resources Officer, CME Group. “Investing in our employees' health and well-being is a key priority for us, so it means a lot for so many of our colleagues to take to the streets for an evening of fitness, camaraderie and celebration.”
Anna Waineo, team captain for candy giant Mars, says her colleagues annually look forward to the Corporate Challenge as a bonding experience.
“It’s a great way for us to bond, re-energize, and have fun outside of work while celebrating our health and accomplishments as a company!” enthused Waineo. “Our Mars culture is very people and wellness focused, which is evident by our strong turnout each year! The event also brings a strong sense of corporate community in Chicago which we really value at Mars.”
Noting proudly that his employer “makes health care run better,” Ron Aidikonis, team captain for Medline Industries, says the Corporate Challenge is a perfect fit for his workplace.
The J.P. Morgan Corporate Challenge is a race our entire team looks forward to every year,” Aidikonis said. “With employees spread across various positions and locations, the Corporate Challenge serves as a unique opportunity to bring everyone together. Medline has a running club at each of our Chicagoland locations, and this event consistently boosts our membership. We had such a fantastic time that our team size doubled this year from 100 to 200 participants. This surge in numbers not only highlights the fun and enjoyment but also shows the positive impact it has on our workplace culture.”
Aidikonis and Medline had reason to be proud of the action in the front of the race pack as their colleague, Emily Akin, won the female individual title for the second consecutive year. Her winning time of 19:47 was 16 seconds faster than her 2024 post.
In the male race, running royalty Matthew Centrowitz of Alyeska Investment Group was the first-place finisher in 17:17. If the name is familiar to you, it’s with good reason. Centrowitz is a five-time U.S. national champion in the 1500 meters and won the gold medal in the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.
JPMorganChase donated in celebration of all Corporate Challenge participants to BUILD, which since 1969 has been a second family for Chicago’s marginalized youth, helping thousands of young people to become leaders in safer, stronger neighborhoods. The Corporate Challenge donation expands a partnership between JPMorganChase and BUILD that also included the 2023 opening of BUILD’s 60,000-square foot campus on a full city block in Austin, one of Chicago’s most disinvested neighborhoods. The Corporate Challenge funds will be directed specifically at supporting BUILD’s Mobile Mental Health team.
The combination of healthy participation and philanthropy always proves to be a draw to Chicago companies, who have been turning out in force for this event since 1982.
“Participating in the Corporate Challenge with my colleagues is such a rewarding experience,” said Amanda Martinez, team captain for Kirkland & Ellis. “The camaraderie and sense of community are amazing! As part of our Wellbeing Program, we strive to foster meaningful connections and opportunities for employees to improve their overall health. This year we had 135 employees participating in this event, which is a great team building experience while also supporting an impactful local charity.”
Chicago was one leg part of a doubleheader on this night. Held almost simultaneously in the Central Time Zone was the 4th Dallas Corporate Challenge, which attracted a crowd of 2,525 participants from 81 companies.
Chicago and Dallas-Fort Worth were the third and fourth events of the 49th year of the J.P. Morgan Corporate Challenge Series, which next moves on to the 33rd edition of the Rochester, NY Corporate Challenge on Thursday, May 22.
