Once poised for an Olympic career, Sister Stephanie Baliga chose to dedicate her life to her faith and community. For 15 years, she has run marathons to raise funds that provide vital food assistance to hundreds of families in Chicago.
- Nearly $2.6 million raised since 2011 through marathon efforts
- Supports 400-500 families weekly at a Chicago food pantry
- Team OLA charity runs marathons to fund community aid
What happened
Sister Stephanie Baliga was once an accomplished runner aiming for a professional career and Olympic dreams. However, after a foot injury during college, she found a new calling as a nun and dedicated her life to faith and service. Combining her passion for running with her commitment to helping others, she has spent the last 15 years running the Chicago Marathon each year.
Her efforts support the Mission of Our Lady of the Angels, a community organization that provides food and aid to thousands in Chicago. Along with a team of runners, she has raised over $2.6 million to sustain the food pantry, including expansions and critical support during the pandemic.
Why it feels good
Sister Stephanie’s story resonates because it shows how one person’s shift in priorities can lead to profound positive impacts. She turned her running talent into a force for good, offering meals and hope to those in need regardless of their background or faith. Her deep belief that service transcends boundaries inspires her and her team.
The daily impact is tangible: the pantry regularly supports hundreds of families and delivers meals to seniors. Knowing their efforts directly improve lives keeps the team motivated and connected to the community, reinforcing that small sacrifices and dedication can create lasting change.
What to enjoy or watch next
This fall marks the 16th consecutive year Sister Stephanie and nearly 200 runners from Team OLA will participate in the Chicago Marathon, aiming to raise another $500,000 to keep their mission thriving. Their journey includes inspiring races like the city’s half marathon, where they continue to build awareness and funds.
Supporters cheering them on bring lively, heartfelt energy to the events, celebrating the fusion of faith, fitness, and charity. Watching this marathon team follow their dedication reminds us how meaningful community-driven efforts can be—and encourages others to discover how they might use their own passions to uplift those around them.