Thousands of people around the country are expected to be pounding the pavement today, raising money to help defeat Motor Neurone Disease.

14 three-kilometre walks will be taking place in different centres around the country from 10.30am.

Beth Watson, National President of Motor Neuron Disease New Zealand, said that despite the poor weather forecast for many parts of the country, they're expecting a big turn out.

"We've got three-thousand people registered which has surpassed the number of people last year and we're expecting about that number to turn up," she said.

Campaigners have so far managed to raise $90,000, but Watson believes it's not just about collecting money.

"It's a wonderful opportunity for people with [motor neuron disease] to come together as a community" she said.

The disease is very isolating, so this opportunity to get out there and support each is a wonderful one."

Motor neuron disease causes nerve cells to die, which means that muscles begin to weaken and waste away, leading to difficulties in breathing, speech, and general movement.

Around 300 New Zealanders are believed to have MND.