St. Patrick’s Day may be all about Guinness and corned beef to some, but in Madison it is also a chance to get out and run or walk for a cause. On Sunday, March 19, the Exchange Club’s Leprechaun Run returns to town for the 25th year.

The run kicks off at the Surf Club in town and tracks across the shoreline. Participants can chose which run or walk best suits them. Runners can sign up for the traditional five-mile course or people can opt for the two-mile fitness walk or the Kids Fun Run.

Exchange Club Director of Publicity Ashton Edwards said the group is projecting more than 400 people will come out to join in the event.

After the race, participants can return to the Surf Club for clam chowder from Lenny & Joe’s as well as other food from Cohen’s Bagels, Bishop’s Orchards, and Robert’s Food Center.

All proceeds from the race, which generally reach the $5,000 range, according to Edwards, will go toward the charities the Exchange Club supports.

“All of the Exchange Club Events raise money for the Youth of Madison, Americanism (we are the sole providers of the Madison Fourth of July Parade), and to fight child abuse by sending our proceeds to the five abuse centers in Connecticut,” he said. “All three of these causes have been the charities with whom we work and to whom we provide our charitable provisions.”

Race Director Dennis Crowe said the race is about having fun but also helping out the community.

“At the end of the day, the Leprechaun Event is all about helping all the families and their kids in need, while strengthening the whole fabric of our community,” he said in a statement. “The Exchange Club is honored to be a part of the tradition in Madison of giving back and helping make Events like the Leprechaun Run more productive each year.”

The Madison Exchange Club’s Leprechaun Run is Sunday, March 19 at the Surf Club from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Runners or walkers can register online at www.madisonexchange.org.