Insurance broker Willis Group Holdings said The Willis Foundation, a nonprofit corporation affiliated with the firm, is kicking off a $1 million charity drive with a relay race in Chicago.

The multi-team relay race fundraiser will take place Oct. 13 and will feature a 15-mile race over a one-mile course beginning and ending in Grant Park in downtown Chicago.

The firm said the race will feature roughly 100 Willis North America Associates, grouped into teams representing the broker's various regions and practices, including Nashville Operations, Willis Global Specialties and Willis Re.

Teams made up of employees from insurance companies with which Willis does business have also been invited to participate. Each team was challenged to raise $50,000 in pledged donations to enter the race. The goal, ultimately, is to raise $1 million for The Willis Foundation, Willis said.

"The Willis Foundation and the Willis CharityChase are demonstrating the good that comes when we work together and combine our efforts. That's what we do for our communities," Joe Plumeri, Wills Group chairman and chief executive officer, said in a statement.

The foundation was created to support the philanthropic efforts of the company and raise money for worthy causes. Fundraising began in the summer of 2010.

The three fastest teams will be awarded medals. Participating teams also will be allowed to direct a portion of the funds they raise to local qualifying charities. Additional money will be given to charities across North America.

Information about the foundation and race is available at www.thewillisfoundation.org.