Biggest J.P. Morgan Corporate Challenge
J.P. Morgan held edition 19 of their annual corporate road racing challenge.
An electrifying wave of energy rippled through the suburbs of Melrose and Birdhaven when the annual J.P. Morgan Corporate Challenge rolled into town for its umpteenth year of existence in South Africa.
Thousands of runners representing hundreds of corporate companies gathered at the Wanderers Stadium on March 14 and made their way to the starting point on Venus Street.
“We’re celebrating 19 years of running now, and 21 years of existence as an event, and we’ve got a record field of entries, 15 400 runners representing 350 companies,” said event coordinator Leon Swanepoel. “Because of Covid-19, the race didn’t take place for two years. The series has been taking place now for 48 years. We are in 16 different cities all over the globe.”
The excitement of the participants was infectious, and their eagerness to conquer the challenge was resonant. Alex Gomes, running his fifth challenge, praised the event for the positive impact it has on corporate teams.
“From previous experiences, I found the J.P. Morgan Challenge to be very good for the soul, very good for building team spirit,” said Gomes. “The vibe on the route is excellent.”
Leona Dukada, also a returning runner, came from Kyalami to represent her company in the popular road race. Dukada was among the runners eager to get the event underway ahead of the challenge.
“This is my sixth time, the only I took a break was when Covid hit us and we couldn’t do it,” Dukada said.
“It’s an amazing race and I’ll do it every year. Last year, I think I did 32 minutes. I’m hoping for 30 or less, or at least 32; I’m comfortable with that.”
The J.P. Morgan Corporate Challenge is the world’s largest corporate running event.
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