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.
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