It was a wonderful growth year for the J.P. Morgan Corporate Challenge in Dallas-Fort Worth.

The fourth running of the Corporate Challenge in the Dallas Arts District attracted 2,525 participants from 81 companies, an outstanding increase of 35% in entries and 50% in companies from the 2024 edition.

This spike has positioned Dallas-Fort Worth in short order to challenge the all-time participation record for the market, 5,057 in 2004. The event paused after that year for nearly 20 years before returning in 2022, and it is looking more and more to be a good revitalization decision.

Fidelity Investments (200 participants) and Goldman Sachs (149) fueled the growth of the Dallas-Fort Worth event, and there were many other large participants within the Metroplex that increased their entries, including Integrity (77), VIRA Insight (68), Hillwood Development Company (62), ISN Software (53), Oncor (50), DTCC (47), Grant Thornton (43), and Mr. Cooper Group (42).

“We’re honored to support the Corporate Challenge,” said Sam Gookins, team captain for Integrity, which provides life and health insurance and wealth management services. “We are proud to have won the (Corporate Challenge) ‘Most Spirited’ award last year! We love our Dallas home, and service is one of our most important core values.”

Gookins had success in drawing big participation within Integrity with the promise of camaraderie.

“The Corporate Challenge is a fun way to bring our employees together, connect with other Dallas-based businesses, and give back to the community,” Gookins said. “It perfectly aligns with our mission to help people plan for the good days ahead. We’re already looking forward to next year!”

That enthusiasm for the Corporate Challenge was shared in the corporate hallways of the Mr. Cooper Group, a home loan service provider.

“The Corporate Challenge is more than just an event—it’s an opportunity to strengthen our connections, celebrate teamwork, and create lasting memories,” said Mr. Cooper Group team captain Nichole Donald. “As we come together, we embrace the values of collaboration, respect, and inclusivity that define us. The bonds we build today will continue to shape the way we lead, innovate, and support one another, ensuring that every team member feels valued and empowered to thrive in an ever-changing industry.”

Thriving at the front of the pack were the two individual winners – Jordan Gledhill of Goldman Sachs and Katherine Tallett of IEQ Capital. Gledhill successfully defended his 2024 male division title, completing the 3.5-mile course in 17:55, almost a full minute better than his 18:46 victory in 2024. Tallett’s winning time in the female race was 22:25.

For the second consecutive year, United Way of Metropolitan Dallas was the beneficiary and marketing partner of the J.P. Morgan Corporate Challenge Dallas-Fort Worth. J.P. Morgan honored all Corporate Challenge participants by donating to the not-for-profit, which has united the community for 100 years to create access and opportunities for all North Texans to thrive.

The funds provided to the United Way were one of the driving considerations behind the participation of Hillwood, a multinational real estate development company.

“Participating in the Corporate Challenge for a second year reinforces Hillwood’s focus on wellness and connection,” said Candelario Jauregui, the Hillwood team captain. “It’s a fun, energizing way for our team to stay active while continuing to support United Way’s mission in our community.”

Dallas-Fort Worth was part of a unique doubleheader on this night. Held almost simultaneously in the Central Time Zone was the 42^nd Chicago Corporate Challenge, which attracted a crowd of 18,476 participants from 480 companies.

Chicago and Dallas-Fort Worth were the third and fourth events of the 49^th year of the J.P. Morgan Corporate Challenge Series. The Series stays in the mainland United States for its next 3.5-mile romp when the 33^rd edition of the Rochester, NY Corporate Challenge is held on Thursday, May 22.