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COLUMBIA, MO. -- Hundreds of fitness enthusiasts helped raise money for cancer patients and research in Columbia Saturday. 

Wilson's Fitness hosted a fitness marathon to support the fight against cancer at the Courtyard Marriott.

There were 7 classes, in 7 hours and it was $7 to participate.

The event will include personal testimonies from cancer survivors who kept active while working through their disease. 

"Everybody that has come, I think has had an amazing time and we've gotten a great response,” Wilson’s Fitness instructor Catina Topash said.  “Personally, I’ve been moved all day long by the stories and by the people that are here to participate so we're going to walk away having a great feeling about it."

One participant we talked to said it's important to stay fit to help fight off cancer.

"It’s dear to me, participant Dr. Jeanine Sasek said.  “My husband's mother passed away from breast cancer and there's been a lot of cancer in the family so I really felt strongly about the cause."

Classes started at 8:30 a.m. and ran about every hour until 4 p.m.

There was also a silent auction.

All proceeds from the event benefit the American Cancer Society.