Halloween is getting healthy this year: Shoreline residents will be up running in the Madison Half Marathon & 5k on Saturday, Oct. 31 and, while they won’t be running for candy, they will be running for a good cause.

The event, put on by the Madison Rotary Club, is the first Half Marathon & 5k held in Madison. More than 1,000 participants are expected at the event according to Rotary member Madison Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Eileen Banisch.

“I don’t believe this has ever taken place in Madison,” she said. “The half marathon is sold out and there are less than 100 spots left in the 5k.”

Running or not, lots of community members will be involved in the big event.

“We have hundreds of volunteers doing everything from traffic control to handing out T-shirts and water bottles, food distribution, and you just name it,” she said. “The Police Department is on board as well.”

A large portion of the run will go through Hammonasset State Park and then continue along the Shoreline Greenway Trail. The 5k course will stay within Hammonasset State Park.

After the event runners will be treated to T-shirts, food, and a post-race party. Runners and participants are encouraged to wear costumes in keeping with the Halloween spirit.

The event has received substantial sponsor support and all proceeds will go to the Rotary club, according to Banisch.

“The proceeds don’t go to one particular Rotary project, but they will go to lots of projects,” she said.

The Madison Rotary Club was founded in 1928. The club participates in fundraising projects, community service projects, international projects, and sponsors education programs.

For more information about the club and the event, visit: www.madisonctrotary.org.