We all know the importance of financial wellness, and how it’s largely based on employer health and wealth initiatives initiated in the past two decades—but Jason Chepenik is making a more direct connection.
The managing partner with Orlando-based Chepenik Financial is the founder of the annual “4.01k Race for Financial Fitness,” now in 13 cities. It’s meant to educate the public on the importance of diligent retirement planning that’s done in a fun and healthy (and somewhat competitive) format.
Traditionally held on April 1 each year and begun at 4:01pm with a 4.01-kilometer course, the date and times will now vary with each city due to its particular weather and logistical issues.
Proceeds, of course, go to charity—with Junior Achievement Chepenik’s pick—and the race features Jean Chatzky, financial editor of NBC’s TODAY show and host of the HerMoney podcast, as its celebrity spokesperson and “coach.”
“The Orlando race on March 30 is the race I organize, and today we hit $100,000 in money raised,” Chepenik notes. “I’m somewhat shocked, we’ve got over 500 runners signed up so far for this race alone, and we expect about 650 by the time it starts, so the impact is awesome.”
The Las Vegas franchise of the race will coincide with the NAPA 401(k) Summit, something that proves popular with advisor attendees each year.
“We’re also planning a big one for New York next year in 2020. That’s going to be a major race. A lot of investment firms will be involved, and we’ll try to tap into financial services companies to bring out their own employees as well.”
New(er) cities include Indianapolis and Salt Lake City, the latter in partnership with 401k Advisors Intermountain.
“We also have Jania Stout organizing a race in Baltimore, in conjunction with a major record keeper that’s base in Baltimore, Kathleen Kelly with Compass Financial Partners is organizing the race in Charlotte, and Bukaty Companies Financial Services in Kansas City, to name a few.”
Race Details
More information about running and sponsorship opportunities are available at www.401krace.com and current cities are listed below:
Charlotte – October 12, 2019
Detroit – April 27, 2019
Kansas City – May 4, 2019
Las Vegas – April 7, 2019
Minneapolis – April 26, 2019
Nashville – June 22, 2019
Orlando – March 30, 2019
Indianapolis – April 28, 2019
New York – April 1, 2020
Atlanta – TBD
Philadelphia – TBD
With more than 20 years serving financial markets, John Sullivan is the former editor-in-chief of Investment Advisor magazine and retirement editor of ThinkAdvisor.com. Sullivan is also the former editor of Boomer Market Advisor and Bank Advisor magazines, and has a background in the insurance and investment industries in addition to his journalism roots.
