Looking for a way to kick start your summer fitness plan? Grab those running shoes, and join more than 20,000 runners and walkers this weekend in downtown Madison. The 35th Annual Crazylegs Classic is this Saturday, April 30. Named for the late football player and UW Athletics Director, Elroy "Crazylegs" Hirsch, the 8K run or 2 mile walk begins downtown, and ends near the 50 yard line at Camp Randall Stadium. The race was named one of America's 100 Top Events by Runner's World magazine, and has also been recognized by The Road Runners Club of America with a "Great Races, Great Places" designation. The race is a longtime local favorite, as it boosts the UW Athletic Department, and includes a race route through downtown Madison and the UW Madison Campus.
Walk in registrants are welcome, and can register Friday or Saturday morning at Kohl Center gate B. The fee is $45 for 8k runners/wheelchair registrants and $25 for walkers. Race bibs and t-shirts can be picked up Friday evening at either Hy-Vee East Washington, Hy-Vee Fitchburg or the Kohl Center. Saturday morning, the Kohl Center will be open until 9 a.m. for distribution. The race begins at 10 a.m., with runners starting at the corner of Pinckney and East Washington Streets, and walkers beginning at the corner of State and Mifflin Streets.
Participants need to wear their bibs for the duration of the race, as each person's time is recorded using the ChronoTrack timing system connected to the bib. The race will be managed in waves, based on previous race times. New racers will be placed in waves based on their best estimate, and are asked to enter at least a minimum time of 29 minutes at registration. The wave plan is designed to benefit all runners, by keeping similar paced people together, and removing the congestion often associated with large races. Participants are welcome to move down waves to join friends, but runners should not move up.
Spectators are encouraged to hang around the stadium to watch the race's finish, and join the after party, along with the race's Grand Marshal, Men's Basketball Coach Greg Gard. Participants with a race bib will enjoy free refreshments. Hot dogs and beer will also be available for purchase. Popular cover band Madison County will perform at the after party, in Camp Randall Stadium. Additional photo opportunities will be available with Bucky Badger, UW-Madison athletes, and the Bucky Wagon.
Run, walk or jog, the Crazylegs Classic offers the perfect opportunity to get off the couch, and celebrate the beginning of spring and summer festivities.
