Each year the J.P. Morgan Corporate Challenge comes to Syracuse to create a competitive and fun race for area corporations. Businesses simply create a team of 4 who register for $34 a piece and compete against other business teams from around the area. This challenge helps promote corporate health and wellness. Last year Tops Friendly Market and Wegmans led with field the largest teams of 380 and 350 respectfully. This year they expect as many as 11,000 runners and walkers! Don’t miss your chance to join in the fun.
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Onondaga Lake Park once again will serve as the venue for 3.5-mile corporate team race and post-run party that is scheduled for a 6:25 p.m. race start on Tuesday, June 17.
When I worked in corporate America this was one of my favorite events each year. A great time to bond with co-workers outside of the office and help benefit a great cause. Plus it was secretly fun to race everyone in the office 
This year the Hillside Family of Agencies will be the benefiting charity.
Don’t worry even if you aren’t a runner there are plenty of people who walk the course and enjoy the atmosphere. Plus there is a very competitive t-shirt design competition, that collects votes from other participants to name a winner.
NOW is a great time to begin getting your team registered and training. Begin by asking your employer if they are currently participating in the challenge. Then get training!
Training Tips from Race Director Dave Oja:
1) Sign up!
This may sound funny but the first step is committing to the goal, whether you are an avid runner or a beginner make it official and add your name to your company’s Corporate Challenge team.
2) Get Ready to Run.
Ask a fellow co-worker if he or she wants to take training runs with you after work, even it’s a mile, getting out there is the first step.
3) Stretch!
Warming up your body with active stretches before you start running or walking is really important to make sure you do not pull something. Take 5-10 minutes before you start to run with this conditioning work out:
· Walking on tip toes, hold arms above your head
· Walking heels, hold arms above your head
· High knee kicks
· Butt kicks
· Walking forward straight leg kicks
· Grape vine in each direction
4) Pace yourself.
Plan a five to six-week training schedule starting with 1 mile runs 3 days a week and work yourself up gradually adding at least .5 mile each week. This will allow your body to adapt to running 3.5 miles so you can comfortably go the distance on race day!
5) Cool down.
After running it’s very important to stretch. Make sure you take at least 5 minutes to stretch out your calves, quads and hamstrings.
There you have it 5 steps to training for this years Corporate Challenge!
Registration for the J.P. Morgan Corporate Challenge is open until June 6th! This 3.5 mile run promotes corporate fitness and wellness while benefiting a worthy not-for-profit organization.
The event will be held on Tuesday, June 17th You can register online here: http://www.jpmorgan.com/cc
Register today for the Corporate Challenge
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Question of the Day: Have you ever run a Corporate Challenge?