Three runners share smiles as they start the 2009 Chicago JPMorgan Chase Corporate Challenge. You can enter the 2010 race, set for Thursday, May 27, now.

Chicago opens registration for 29th annual
JPMorgan Chase Corporate Challenge

CHICAGO, February 10, 2010 — Online registration has opened for what has become Chicago 's traditional corporate kickoff to the Memorial Day weekend and summer — the JPMorgan Chase Corporate Challenge®.

Details and all the necessary forms are now available for the 29th annual Corporate Challenge in Chicago. The 3.5-mile team road race will be held on Thursday, May 27 with a 7:10 p.m. race start at Grant Park.

Since moving to the Thursday before Memorial Day in 2005, Chicago has become one of the most enthusiastic supporters of this event worldwide. A total of 17,070 runners and walkers from 513 companies took part in 2009, making it the second largest Corporate Challenge event in the United States (trailing only a two-night New York event).

So, don't be left out this year. Please notify your colleagues that registration is now open and begin assembling your team for this celebration of corporate fitness and camaraderie.

New in 2010 are three rule changes:

• First-place teams in the men's, women's and mixed categories will earn a trip to the 2011 JPMorgan Chase Corporate Challenge Championship (location and date: TBD). Qualifying companies must have a strong Chicago presence, with the company having a locally-based address (or addresses). At least three of the employees on the qualifying team must be employed at the address (or addresses). Individual runners who participate in the 2010 Championship in Johannesburg are not eligible to qualify for the 2011 Championship.
  
  
• The t-shirt contest will now choose two t-shirt winners, with each receiving $1,000 to donate to the charity of their choice.
  
  
• The Most Senior Executive category has been eliminated so the event can more appropriately focus on team accomplishments over individual.

Much, however, is remaining the same.

The entry fee is remaining at $40 per entrant. All entries must be part of a corporate team, with each team needing to register a minimum of four employees. There is no limit to the number of employees that can be on a company team. Awards will be given to the five fastest men's, women's and mixed teams. If you require assistance registering your company or have any questions please email Chicago@jpmorganchasecc.com or call (847) 673-4100.

Again this year, the Chicago Corporate Challenge will be part of the “Teaming Up For a Greener Tomorrow” campaign, which uses best environmental practices in the organization of the event. Thanks in part to your responsible choices last May — registering online, recycling waste and taking alternative transportation to race site — the Corporate Challenge has been recognized for its efforts and the Series has made a significant, positive impact on the environment.

The JPMorgan Chase Foundation also will make a donation for each entry to a worthy not-for-profit organization that will be announced prior to event night. Please check back to this website for more information.

For now, it is important to get your team together, visit the registration page, and enter online to be a part of the kick-off to the Memorial Day weekend.