The last Saturday of April each spring, over 12,000 Badgers descend on the 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 39 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.
5K RUN • 8K RUN • 2 MILE WALK
This spring, we will be unable to join together in person for the safety of all participants, but Badger fans from around the world can unite and run (or walk) the 39th annual Crazylegs Classic virtually.
Participants are encouraged to create their own course and safely run physically distanced from others. Use the provided Race Joy app access to upload your run results and be sure to tag and post photos using #UWCrazylegsClassic to show your participation on social media.
SELECT YOUR EVENT
Virtual 5K
$35
Registration ends April 23, 2021 at 11:59pm CDT
Virtual 8K
$35
Registration ends April 23, 2021 at 11:59pm CDT
Virtual 2 Mile Walk
$35
Registration ends April 23, 2021 at 11:59pm CDT
Complete your own personal event anytime between Saturday, April 24th and Sunday, May 2nd.
The first 2,500 participants to register will receive a one of a kind Crazylegs Classic medal and have their race items shipped prior to the start date. Register now!
All participants will receive a Crazylegs Classic Under Armour Locker Tee 2.0, race bib, Crazylegs Classic sticker, and access to the RaceJoy app to upload their run results.
Registration closes Friday, April 23rd at midnight. Those who register after April 12th will have their t–shirt and bib shipped after April 26th.
SUBMITTING YOUR RUN TIME
Participants in the 5K and 8K will be able to use the RaceJoy App (Click Here to go to the RaceJoy App) to record your virtual results. Your time will be automatically uploaded to the results page when you enter your bib number received in your confirmation email. Click here to view 2021 race results.
If you’re not using RaceJoy or had troubles submitting your time using the app, you can also manually submit your run or walk at the top of the results page. Just click on the “Submit Virtual Results” button between Saturday, April 24th and Sunday, May 2nd, look up your registration, and enter your time.
Not in it for the competition? You can also mark that you completed the event without submitting a time while logging your results!
We welcome your stories! Contact us at [email protected]!
Author: David Keech
David Keech is a retired teacher and works as a sportswriter, sports official and as an educational consultant. He has reported on amateur sports since 2011, known as 'KeechDaVoice.' David can be reached at [email protected]
