Stephen Nowachek has been running marathons for 25 years, but his athletic interest is taking on new significance this fall.

By the time November rolls around the 46-year old St. Charles resident, who will run in the Chicago Marathon this weekend, will have run three marathons in the span of five weeks to raise money for the American Cancer Society.

“It’s my first year doing it for charity,” Nowachek said. “Right now I’m around $2,300 raised. I’m shooting for $5,000.”

Nowachek was inspired to take up the cause for the ACS after cancer hit close to home. His sister-in-law and brother-in-law have been diagnosed with breast cancer and colon cancer, respectively, in the past six months. Their fight is now his fight and he’s fighting with his feet, so he’ll travel 1,006 miles to run 78.2 miles through three states for their cause.

“It’s been a difficult year, with my sister-in-law and brother-in-law,” Nowachek said. “My wife has a couple friends that were diagnosed.”

But from hardship comes heroism.

“My sister-in-law has been so incredible with the way she’s taken it in stride,” Nowachek said.

“She’s been very positive and has encouraged me. They’ve all encouraged me.”

Chicago will be the second of three marathons for Nowachek, who will conclude his 2009 marathon season at the New York City Marathon on Nov. 1.

His quest this year started Sept. 27 where his passion for running began, at the Quad Cities Marathon in Moline. That’s the place he ran his first marathon, at his brother’s urging, in 1984.

“He did a lot of local races,” Nowachek said. “I started doing some of them with him and I got hooked on it.”

Nowachek typically runs the Chicago marathon each year, but he’s never had three races in such close proximity to each other. However, he believes proper preparation and a new secret weapon could be his keys to staying healthy and avoiding injuries.

“Doing enough miles to prepare is something I’m used to,” Nowachek said. “The challenge is being able to rest up and recoup to do the next one.

“I’ve started doing massage therapy. That’s definitely helped.”

The strategy seems to be working thus far. Initially nervous about having just two weeks between the Quad Cities race and the Chicago Marathon, Nowachek is in good shape to improve on the 4:21.15 he clocked in Moline this Sunday.

“I’m feeling pretty good here and looking forward to the race,” Nowachek said. “Hopefully I’ll be picking up the pace a little bit to finish under four hours.”

Chicago Marathon
WHEN 7:30 a.m. Sunday

WHERE Start and finish lines in Grant Park

INFO For race maps, spectator information and FAQs on the Chicago Marathon, visit chicagomarathon.com/cms400min/chicago_marathon

Charity drive
Stephen Nowachek’s trek in the Chicago Marathon this Sunday will be the second of three marathons he’ll run this fall in order to raise money for the American Cancer Society. To find out more about his fundraising efforts or to donate, visit http://main.acsevents.org/goto/Steve_Nowachek