Who says people in public radio can't make some noise? On Wednesday, some members of the NPR staff showed their vocal chops by cheering on fellow teammates at the ACLI Capital Challenge, a three-mile run for charity held in Washington, D.C.'s Anacostia Park.
Joining forces with other staff in media and government for the annual race, NPR made sure its presence was both seen and heard with 50 NPR runners on 10 teams, the most from a single group. In honor of their extra gusto, the NPR runners were awarded 'Best Spirit'. Here's to three (very loud) cheers for Team NPR.
Some runners touted both spirit and speed: The NPR Science Desk clocked in the fastest male and female on-air journalists with Correspondent Jon Hamilton (19:12) and Producer Lulu Miller (22:56). Off-air, NPR Music's A Blog Supreme Host Patrick Jarenwattananon was the fastest runner on Team NPR, finishing at an impressive 18:48 minutes. NPR's efforts were also rewarded with a 2nd place finish in the Electronic Media category. Kudos to 'North Capitol Challengers': Jarenwattananon, Hamilton, Javaun Moradi, Shirish Date and Becky Hersher.
Flip through the slideshow below to see a few spirited moments from the race:
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1 of 9
— Some NPR staffers wore their spirit on their sleeves (and arms). All Things Considered Assistant Producer and team 'Co-Wrangler' Theo Balcomb showed off her branded press-on tattoo.
Some NPR staffers wore their spirit on their sleeves (and arms). All Things Considered Assistant Producer and team 'Co-Wrangler' Theo Balcomb showed off her branded press-on tattoo.
Megan Johnson / NPR
2 of 9
— Teaming up before the three-mile run were (l-r) Theo Balcomb, Digital News Production Assistant Rose Friedman, and All Things Considered Senior Editor Alison MacAdam and Production Assistant Jinae West.
Teaming up before the three-mile run were (l-r) Theo Balcomb, Digital News Production Assistant Rose Friedman, and All Things Considered Senior Editor Alison MacAdam and Production Assistant Jinae West.
Megan Johnson / NPR
3 of 9
— Alison MacAdam stayed cool while sporting a pair of shades to shield the sun.
Alison MacAdam stayed cool while sporting a pair of shades to shield the sun.
Megan Johnson / NPR
4 of 9
— It was a tight squeeze in the starting area, but making the frame are runners from NPR's Washington Desk (l-r): Correspondent David Welna, Editor Shirish Date, Reporter Ailsa Chang and Correspondent Tamara Keith.
It was a tight squeeze in the starting area, but making the frame are runners from NPR's Washington Desk (l-r): Correspondent David Welna, Editor Shirish Date, Reporter Ailsa Chang and Correspondent Tamara Keith.
Megan Johnson / NPR
5 of 9
— NPR runners including Theo Balcomb (center) pinned on their race bibs before taking off. The bibs had a timer chip to clock the runners' finish times.
NPR runners including Theo Balcomb (center) pinned on their race bibs before taking off. The bibs had a timer chip to clock the runners' finish times.
Megan Johnson / NPR
6 of 9
— Waving to sideline supporters, All Things Considered Associate Producer and race Team Captain Justine Kenin is pictured here nearing the finish line with her daughter, Annie.
Waving to sideline supporters, All Things Considered Associate Producer and race Team Captain Justine Kenin is pictured here nearing the finish line with her daughter, Annie.
Bridget Kelley / NPR
7 of 9
— Sweaty but smiling, a group of NPR runners gather together after finishing the race.
Sweaty but smiling, a group of NPR runners gather together after finishing the race.
Bridget Kelley / NPR
8 of 9
— Justine Kenin flashed NPR's 'Best Spirit' plaque after the awards ceremony.
Justine Kenin flashed NPR's 'Best Spirit' plaque after the awards ceremony.
Megan Johnson / NPR
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— The full group, including NPR President and CEO Gary E. Knell (center, in the black sweatshirt), pose together behind the NPR banner after a successful finish.
The full group, including NPR President and CEO Gary E. Knell (center, in the black sweatshirt), pose together behind the NPR banner after a successful finish.
Melody Kramer / NPR
