The Crazylegs Classic is an annual eight kilometer running race and two mile walk held each spring in Madison, Wisconsin, United States. The course starts at the Wisconsin State Capitol and ends at Camp Randall Stadium. The race was first held in 1982 in honor of Elroy "Crazylegs" Hirsch. Proceeds benefit Badger Athletics.
The idea for the race was hatched in late 1981 by three Badger loyalists at a campus bar. The three, Tom Grantham, Ken Sparks, and Rich Backus, wanted to raise money to support UW athletics. As admirers of then- Athletic Director Elroy Hirsch, they asked his permission to name it the "Crazylegs Run" in his honor. Tom Grantham continues to serve as general chairman on the Crazylegs Classic Executive Committee.
The first race in 1982 attracted 1,525 runners and raised $9,500. The event grew in popularity and the walk was added in 1987 with 676 walkers the first year. The event has grown, reaching a record high of 13,574 in 2005. Since its inaugural race 25 years ago, it has attracted over 150,000 runners and walkers.
Runner's World magazine has rated the Crazylegs Classic as one of America's Best 100 Events. Readers participating in the Capital Times/Wisconsin State Journal Reader's Choice Award survey have voted the classic the #1 Favorite Local Running Event every year since 1995.
The Crazylegs Committee was notified by the Road Runners Club of America that a panel of peers voted the Crazylegs Classic as one of twenty races across the country chosen for "Great Races! Great Places!" recognition.[1]
The scenic race course is considered a "runner's delight," starting opposite the State Capitol Building, going down Wisconsin Avenue, moving onto the campus over Observatory Drive to Picnic Point and returning down University Avenue to Camp Randall where it ends at the 50 yard line.
Tim Keller of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, a four-year Cross Country letterwinner at the University of Wisconsin–Madison and former first-team All-Big Ten Conference selection, completed the 8-kilometer course in 24 minutes, 14 seconds to finish first overall.
Bethany Brewster, former University of Wisconsin–Madison track and field All-American and 2001 Big Ten Conference Cross Country Athlete of the Year finished the 8-kilometer course in 28 minutes, 27 seconds to take the female title.