Video gamers stock up on coffee, energy drinks for 24-hour charity marathon

It's going to be a jittery, explosion-filled day in Saskatoon.

Starting at noon, a collection of diehard gamers will gather to play video games for 24 hours — straight.

"We'll usually do a little bit of Kinect games to keep ourselves awake," organizer Chris Pugh told CBC Radio's Saskatoon Morning. "Energy drinks are a must."

The fundraiser is part of an organization called Extra Life, which helps organize marathon gaming events to benefit children's hospitals across North America.

"It sounded like a really cool idea," he said. "And why wouldn't you want to play video games for 24 hours?"

This is the second year Pugh and his friends have held the event. He has some tips for staying awake he picked up last year.

"Just get up," he said. "Walk around. Last year we went for a little walk for about 20 minutes or so: Nice and cold; kind of wakes you back up."

The proceeds will go to the new Children's Hospital of Saskatchewan.

The marathon starts at noon today.