Runners finish the J.P. Morgan Corporate Challenge in Frankfurt, the largest race in the Corporate Challenge Series.

Taking a great idea and running with it
... for 37 years

Participants enjoy post-race hospitality at London's J.P. Morgan Corporate Challenge.

The J.P. Morgan Corporate Challenge® began simply enough, as great ideas often do.

Inspired by its successful sponsorship of the New York City Marathon, officials at the bank looked for a way to create an event solely for corporate runners, and at a distance for which even a busy executive would have time to train. It was decided to try a single Corporate Challenge® race at 3.5 miles.

The idea took on a life of its own in 1977 when 200 runners from 50 companies gathered in Central Park for the inaugural race in what then was called the Manufacturers Hanover Corporate Challenge®. The idea was an obvious hit. The Series has done nothing but grow, and grow, and grow since.

Events in Africa and Asia push Series' international growth

J.P. Morgan added events in two new continents in 2004, with inaugural races in Johannesburg, South Africa, and Singapore. In 2011, the Corporate Challenge expanded to China, with the addition of the J.P. Morgan Corporate Challenge in Shanghai. About to celebrate their 10th years, Johannesburg and Singapore have become spectacular successes, each reaching full capacity the past eight years. And Shanghai roared to a 58 percent increase in entries in its second year, also reaching full capacity.

These three cities continue to be part of our seven-country, five-continent Series in 2013.

Not coincidentally, both Johannesburg and Singapore are involved in another recent trend - hosting the J.P. Morgan Corporate Challenge Championship. To reflect the global nature of the Corporate Challenge, J.P. Morgan is committed to rotating the Championship to cities in different continents. Hosted in New York for its first 26 editions, the Series Championship was held in Johannesburg on March 4, 2010, Singapore on April 21, 2011, and in Chicago on May 30, 2012. The Championship is scheduled to be held this year on May 21 in Rochester, N.Y.

As the Series celebrates its 37th year, it recalls a terrific year in 2012, when the final number of participants reached an all-time high of 253,041 — which represents participation well over 1,000 times greater than the first year. The number of companies participating last year - 8,024 - also was an all-time high.

Series represents a commitment to health and fitness

"The growth of the Corporate Challenge® is a testimony to J.P. Morgan’s continuing support of health and fitness, teamwork and camaraderie in the corporate communities across the U.S. and abroad,” said Barbara Paddock, senior vice president for the bank.

The Series sends a message that it is not just fiscal fitness that is important in the corporate world. Physical fitness also is important. Participating companies use the races as a platform to promote fitness and well-being in the work place. Runners find it easy to train for the 3.5-mile distance and have the extra benefit of competing with their colleagues in a relaxed and social atmosphere.

The simple idea that began so modestly in 1977 continues to be a winner year after year.

If you have run in the Series in the past, we thank you for your support and look forward to welcoming you again. If you would like to get your company involved for the first time, please look through our web site and contact officials of your local event.

The J.P. Morgan Corporate Challenge® — simply a powerful idea in business and running.

Angeline Ding of PricewaterhouseCoopers becomes the first women's champion of the J.P. Morgan Corporate Challenge in Shanghai.