JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- Runners from all over the country with all different levels of experience are getting ready for this year's Gate River Run.

While many runners run for glory, Channel 4 reporter Ashley Townsend recently caught up with some runners who plan to run for a greater purpose.

"I'm running because I'm running with my patients, and we're running for multiple sclerosis," said UF & Shands Neurologist Daniel Kantor,

March marks National Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Month, and Kantor said he plans to run the race March 8 alongside several of his patients with MS.

Samantha Thomas was diagnosed with MS three years ago. At one point, she went completely blind in one eye and said she suffers occasionally with fatigue and numbness in her hands and legs.

The recent newlywed said she knows MS is potentially debilitating, but said that she feels optimistic about the future and especially about her chance to shine in the Gate River Run.

"It's going to be tough, definitely. It's a challenge, but I'm sure we can do it," Thomas said.

Another first-time runner, Erin Gunia, told Channel 4 that she was at last year's river run to watch her sister from the sideline.

"There I was holding her stuff, walking her run, and I knew I could do it," Gunia said.

She said a head-to-head matchup with her sister would not happen this year because her sister is eight months pregnant. Nonetheless, Gunia's bound and determined to beat her time.

"Bring it on. I'm looking forward to it, and I don't think it will be too much of a problem," Gunia said.