On April 20, when the 113th annual Boston Marathon kicks off, Auburn's Vin Gleason Jr. will be among the 25,000 participants in what has become the world's oldest, and perhaps most well-known marathon.

And while many of those who enter the 26.22-mile race will be running simply for the sake of competing in the prestigious event, Gleason has another mission in mind - something that has inspired him ever since he began running.

Gleason will be running for children and their families who are facing medical problems.

A natural philanthropist, Gleason has decided to use the opportunity to help raise funds for the Boston Children's Hospital, setting a goal of raising $3,000.

He plans to raise money by getting sponsors and placing names of sponsors and children on his marathon jersey.

It's been a long road for Gleason, who wasn't always a dedicated runner.

Gleason took up the sport a few years ago during a traumatic and trying period in his life.

Gleason's daughter, Kaylei, now 7, was born with kidney disease and his son, Braeden, now 5, underwent surgeries to correct a soft spot in his skull.

Gleason and his family spent many hours at University Hospital in Syracuse, where he said his children received the best possible care.

This, in turn, inspired Gleason to give something back. He created Run 4 Life, a group of runners who help raise funds for the hospital.

“I feel like I'm running for the little guy, the little guy that hasn't had a chance,” Gleason said. “I feel like this is something that I can do to help.”

Since creating Run 4 Life, Gleason has been active in charity runs, both locally and on a national scale.

Gleason has a Web site, therun4life.org, and has been active in runs across much of the northeast, as well as helping organize events such as a walk-a-thon at Herman Elementary School.

And though he's always out pounding the pavement, Gleason's running career has hit some speed bumps along the way.

Late last year, Gleason and his family were in a car accident and for a time he lost his motivation to run. But he gradually found his way back and was running 30 miles a week.

But in July, Gleason had another setback. He was taking part in a seven-mile trail run, but after heavy rains the trail became slippery, the markers were lost and Gleason suffered a stress fracture on his foot.

It hasn't always been easy, but Gleason doesn't need to look far for motivation.

“My sister runs cross country for Auburn High School,” Gleason said. “And she really wanted me to run the Labor Day Race. So after my fifth week of rehab, I was out and running again and it really helped keep me going.”

In September, the application process for the Boston Marathon began and Gleason decided to see what would happen if he applied.

“It was something I saw the opportunity to do,” Gleason said. “I never thought that they would really pick me. But I thought it would be a good opportunity to run for some local families and children. It gave me a new goal.”

Three weeks after submitting his application, Gleason was notified via email that his application was under consideration and the next step would be a phone interview.

While doing the interview, Gleason spoke of all the work he has been doing on behalf of children and local hospitals, which he believes helped him earn his place in the event.

“There is a high demand to be in the marathon - a lot more than they have places to take people,” he said. “I think they were looking for people with unique stories and people that are doing innovative things. I told them about the running I've been doing for children's hospitals and things like that and I think that really put it over the top.”

Since getting the news that he was in the race, it has served as a new kind of motivation on several levels.

“It is a way I can help,” Gleason said. “I like to do a lot of things locally, but I also want to help wherever help is needed.”