CHICAGO (WLS) -- Some 54,000 runners will line up on October 12 for the start of the Bank of America Chicago Marathon. They are the lucky ones who got into the race.

Many more are turned away, but about a third of them got in by running for charity.

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The runner spend months training for the day, putting in countless miles preparing to finish the marathon, 26.2 miles on the streets of Chicago.

They are among the fortunate ones who literally won the race lottery to get a bib. Organizers have to turn away at least as many as they are able to accept into the race.

"We are humbled by the demand and the support of the race," Executive Race Director Carey Pinkowski said.

As the race has grown dramatically since it started nearly a half

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