Paylocity CEO Wins JPMorgan Chase Corporate Challenge

Steve Sarowitz, the Most Senior Executive (MSE) at Paylocity Corporation, stood on the Awards Stage at last night’s 24th annual JPMorgan Chase Corporate Challenge in Grant Park.

With the Chicago skyline accenting a brilliant sunset in the distance, Sarowitz held his two children while receiving his Tiffany Award for being the first MSE to cross the finish line. He couldn’t have been prouder of his accomplishment.

“Three years I trained for this moment,” said Sarowitz, who covered the 3.5-mile Columbus Drive course in 20:37. “It’s the biggest race of the year for me. To me, winning this event is a remarkable accomplishment.”

Sarowitz’ enthusiasm for the JPMorgan Chase Corporate Challenge is clearly shared by the Chicago business community. On a spectacular night for running, walking or just barbecuing – temperatures in the 60s with a slight breeze – a total of 15,472 participants from 448 companies took part in this 24th annual event. The participants enjoyed a new race course – up and back on Columbus Drive – and an expanded staging area that included the Awards Stage and expanded tent area on Grant Park’s famed softball fields.

“We have 157 people here and we wouldn’t miss it,” said Orit Aharon, company captain for Borg Warner Transmissions. “Being here together, having fun, not thinking about work, not thinking about economics, it’s special. We’re all here as a family, doing something for our wellness and health.”

Attendance increases dramatically for second straight year

For the second consecutive year, attendance spiked dramatically. Since moving away from its traditional August date following the 2003 season, the JPMorgan Chase Corporate Challenge has enjoyed 21-percent growth. “And I don’t see it slowing down,” said Judi Callahan, company captain for Ryerson Tull. “If you do business in Chicago, you want to be here.”

Companies take part for the fitness and the good times, and you can bet that it was difficult to find a bag of charcoal near the Loop yesterday judging by the number of Hibachi fires on Grant Park. But the participants also sign up annually for the community, and this year JPMorgan Chase donated $2.50 for each entry to the YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago. Specifically, the donation was ear-marked for the “Healthy Kids’ Camp” at the Rauner Family Branch in the Pilsen neighborhood.

The cause helped attract Corey McPherrin, sports anchor for FOX News at Nine, to serve as one of the official starters. “This donation will make a big difference for the health and wellness kids in one of the largest Latino communities in Chicago,” McPherrin said.

GE puts together a powerful performance

Competition is always keen at this event, as well, as proven by the top individual male, Joe Herington of General Electric Health Care. Herington and his GE teammates were coming off an impressive, first-place showing in the corporate division of the prestigious Penn Relays. “We won the Distance Medley Relay,” said Herington. “I ran the anchor, the 1600 (one mile), in 4:21. So our running is going very well.

“But the Corporate Challenge has always been a goal for General Electric,” he continued. “We have qualified for the JPMorgan Chase Corporate Challenge Championship in New York three straight years and we take a lot of pride in that. We love working for GE Health Care and representing the company in a big-time setting like this.”

General Electric proved to be overpowering in the men’s division again, placing three in the top five, all under 18 minutes.

Ronnerman wins 5th female title in Chicago and 6th overall

And it was a familiar face that broke the women’s finish line tape. Anette Ronnerman, a flight attendant for American Airlines who works primarily on overseas flights, covered this 3.5-mile distance in 19:49, besting Jennifer Goebel of Athletico by 20 seconds.

“I haven’t been doing too much racing,” said Ronnerman, “but how could I miss this race? You always get excited there on the starting line with tens of thousands of runners and knowing you are running for your company.”

Ronnerman is one of the most decorated JPMorgan Chase Corporate Challenge women’s runners in our 29-year history. She has won six Corporate Challenge titles – five in Chicago (1997, 2000, 2003-2005) and one in Dallas (2003). Ronnerman also finds herself in the 2005 record-book, for now. Her 19:49 time is the best women’s time to date in this year’s Series, covering five events ( Houston, Sydney, Johannesburg, Singapore, Chicago).

Jill Billhorn ran an outstanding race herself, winning the women’s MSE category in an impressive 27:33.

CDW has largest participation with 554 entrants

Further illustrating the popularity and camaraderie at the JPMorgan Chase Corporate Challenge, Ariel Capital Management, Perseco and Zurich won the T-Shirt Competition, and each earned $500 from JPMorgan Chase to donate to the charity of their choice. Exactly 50 t-shirts were entered in the competition, a dramatic increase from past years.

CDW, with 554 total employees, had the largest participation and had a post-race hospitality tent roughly the size of Soldiers Field.

“On behalf of all the employees of JPMorgan Chase, we are very proud to bring this great race to Chicago,” said Bill Daley, Chairman of the Midwest for JPMorgan Chase. “We thank all the participants, all 16,000 of you, for coming out and giving something to the Y. It is a great evening in this terrific setting.”