Thousands Of Chicago Marathon Runners Are Raising Millions For Charity

(CBS) -- Next weekend's Chicago Marathon will draw runners from 100 different countries and all 50 states.

For some, the race is about doing good, in addition to testing their will.

Ten thousand of the 45,000 runners registered for the marathon are charity runners, raising funds for 190 causes across the city, state and globe.

Race Director Carey Pinkowski says they raised $17 million last year for charities and more than $134 million since 2002.

One of the charities benefitting this year is the Mission of Our Lady of the Angels on Chicago's West Side.

A nun from the order is running the marathon and raising funds for them again.

Sister Stephanie Baliga is hoping to qualify for the spot on the USA Olympic Team and has a good shot.

As a freshman at the University of Illinois, she was ranked the sixth-fastest female cross country runner in the U.S.

Pinkowski says the charitable aspect attracts different runners and can provide motivation to train for months ahead of the race.