Crazylegs Classic

media release: The last Saturday of April each spring, Badgers descend on Capitol Square and State Street to kick off the Crazylegs Classic.

Not surprisingly, the idea for this event 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.

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 substantially reaching a record high of 20,415 in 2010. Since the inaugural race 43 years ago, it has attracted over 354,000 runners and walkers. The Crazylegs Classic has become a time–honored tradition of the University of Wisconsin, as well as a much–anticipated event to kickoff spring in the Madison community.

Join your fellow Badgers at the post-race party, taking place inside Camp Randall Stadium!

The Schmidt Brothers will headline the post-race party. The Midwest’s Premier Rock, Pop, & Country Power Trio!

Participants 21 and older will be able to exchange their bib tear off for a variety of beer and seltzer options available. Note — participants will need to show a photo ID to confirm their age. Additional beverages will be available for purchase.

Participants under 21 or those who prefer not to have a beer, can receive 2 Pepsi or Gatorade options instead!

The post-race party concludes at 1pm.