The Santa Clarita Track Club and Bridgeport Marketplace are hosting their third annual Mardi Gras Madness at Bridgeport on March 2.

All proceeds from the Mardi Gras Madness 5K, the Mini Madness 1K and Mega Madness benefit Students Off and Running, or SOAR.

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SOAR is a program that provides L.A. Marathon training experience to youth in need living in the Santa Clarita Valley at no cost to the student.

“Student participants choosing to take on this 24-week, 380-mile, life-changing experience gradually add miles to weekly distance goals until (SOAR participants) are prepared to take on the grueling 26.2-mile L.A. Marathon in March,” according to a statement from officials.

The program teaches it participants discipline and perseverance, event officials said.

More than 300 residents showed up to last year’s event, and this year, event organizers are hoping for an even larger turnout.

Participants may register at: www.mgm5k.com.

(Click here for a link to the event’s video highlighting past races.)

This year marks the SOAR’s sixth season of operation.