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Elroy Hirsch, former Athletic Director Ade Sponberg and Race Co-Founder Tom Grantham |
 2011 Crazylegs Grand Marshal, Ruth Hirsch (wife of the late Elroy “Crazylegs” Hirsch) |
how the run got started history made over a couple beers |
Not surprisingly, the idea was hatched over a couple of beers 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. |
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Elroy Hirsch poses with fans at the 1985 Crazylegs Classic
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a little "classic" history |
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 29 years ago, it has attracted over 229,100 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. |
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Elroy Hirsch greets participants at the 1993 Crazylegs Classic |
one of america's top 100 races "Great races! great places!" recognition |
No less of an authority than 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 #1 for Favorite Local Running Event numerous times since inception! Our biggest success and highest priority: creating an enjoyable fun atmosphere for our participants!
The Crazylegs Committee was notified by the Road Runners Club of America that a panel of our peers voted the Crazylegs Classic as one of twenty races across the country chosen for "Great Races! Great Places!" recognition. (Article in Footnotes Magazine, March, 2002 Issue). |
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