For 38 years, runners have congregated in the heart of Chicago to run the Bank of America Chicago Marathon. But it's more than just running 26.2 miles, says race director Carey Pinkowski, it's a celebration of humanity.

In a press conference Thursday morning at the Hilton Chicago Hotel, Pinkowski, along with Bank of America Chicago market president Paul Lambert; Bob Marshall with the Ronald McDonald House Charities; Beth Bracco from Park Grill/Blue Plate; and Maureen Lesak, managing director of Bank of America, discussed the importance of the race. Pinkowski, who has been race director for 27 years, says the celebration of human achievement is always rewarding.

"I am fortunate enough to stand here and talk about it, but there are literally thousands of people behind the scenes playing active rolls," he says. "We could not do it without the support of the agencies ... residents, local businesses and crowds on the course."

Aside from those locally involved, Pinkowski attributes the races' success to the national participation; this year, all 50 states will be represented at the Chicago Marathon, along with 130 countries.

"When we talk about what the marathon is all about, it really is a celebration of humanity - a celebration of people putting things aside and joining together and creating a community that celebrates commitment, dedication and sacrifice," Pinkowski says. "There's nothing casual or impromptu about this."