The Western New York stop in the J.P. Morgan Corporate Challenge Series is an enduring success. At 42 years of age, Buffalo ranks only behind New York City (at 45) in hosting the most of these 3.5-mile afterwork run/walks.

But Buffalo doesn’t just hold onto its spot in the Corporate Challenge calendar because of its longevity. It remains in place because it truly MEANS something to the workforce.

"The Corporate Challenge is a true staple in the Western New York community, and we are very excited to field a team of associates from our HQ, stores and warehouse,” said Tops president Ron Ferri.  “This provides a nice way for our associates to engage in team building, have a little fun, and enjoy a little competition. As the hometown grocer, we like to support what is important to this community.”     

The 42nd running of the J.P. Morgan Corporate Challenge at Delaware Park is important indeed. Nearly every one of these races, dating back to 1982, have been held on the park’s lush grounds, mostly on a Thursday in June. Reliability has fostered loyalty.

“The J.P. Morgan Corporate Challenge is a great way to kick off the summer at Delaware North and bring our colleagues together for some fitness, food and fun,” said Natalie Murphy, team captain and corporate communications specialist at Delaware North. “As a global company with Buffalo roots, it’s also a wonderful way to showcase our positive team member culture and enjoy the amazing hospitality and culinary skills of our local talented Sportservice team who provides the food and beverage at our tent.”

On this beautiful June night, a crowd of 7,297 racers, joggers and walkers from 230 companies came to Delaware Park; the vast majority of the participating companies making the extra effort to rent tents and host their employees to catered meals. It’s an occasion, more than a 3.5-mile road race.

But, then again, the competition is top-notch too. James Dickinson of ACV and Kassandra Nolet from BuffSci proved that as the first-place male and female individual runners, respectively. Dickinson covered the course in 17:27 (4:59) while Nolet came finished in 21:01 (6:00). Armani Merlino, representing M&T Bank, was a solid second in the male race, finishing in 17:45. Lizzy Mahoney from the Jewish Center of Buffalo was the female runner-up in a strong 22:30.

Dickinson, Merlino, Nolet and Mahoney brought their employers’ glory in front of a field that included a typically eclectic array of industries. The 10 largest participating companies in terms of entrants were Buffalo Public Schools (326 entrants), Moog (300), Kaleida Health (212), Erie County Medical Center (150), ACV (147), Excelsior Orthopaedics (147), National Fuel (142), HSBC (124), Kenmore-Town of Tonawanda School District (122), and Tops Markets (116).

Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus (BNMC) is a regular and enthusiastic participant in the Corporate Challenge, fully understanding the value on the race course and off.

"One of BNMC’s core pillars surrounds health and well-being,” said Madison Mack, team captain, Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus, Inc. “The Corporate Challenge is a great way for us to engage our business partners and colleagues in a healthy, fun activity that promotes well-being and movement. The annual event offers ample opportunities to network and socialize, both during the event and afterward, and unite around a culture of wellness and community."

The tangible benefit to the community came through a donation made by the JPMorgan Chase Foundation, in celebration of the Corporate Challenge participants, to United Way of Buffalo & Erie County, which has worked since its founding in 1917 to enhance the health, financial stability, and education for every person in its community. This is the first year United Way has benefitted from the Corporate Challenge. Recent past beneficiaries include City Year (2023), Dnipro Ukrainian Cultural Center (2022), Beverly Gray Business Exchange Center (2019), and Buffalo Olmsted Parks Conservancy (2018).

Buffalo was the eighth location for the 48th year of the J.P. Morgan Corporate Challenge Series – the exact halfway mark in a Series that will ultimately visit 16 locations in nine countries on six continents. The Series has been taking healthy strides this calendar year. With this Buffalo crowd of 7,000+, it brings overall Series attendance in 2024 to 158,798 – a massive 82% of the total 2023 attendance of 193,613. And there’s still half a Series year left, beginning on Thursday, June 20 in Boston.