Crazylegs Classic returns on Saturday, April 25
February 05, 2026 | General News
Join us for the 44th running of this Wisconsin Athletics tradition
MADISON, Wis. – One of Madison's great traditions returns on Saturday, April 25, when Wisconsin Athletics hosts the 44th running of the Crazylegs Classic. Join more than 10,000 participants in this annual race from downtown Madison to Camp Randall Stadium.Â
The 8K wheelchair race begins at 9:50 a.m., followed by the 8k run at 10 a.m. and the two-mile walk at approximately 10:20 a.m. All three races start at Library Mall and finish on the field at Camp Randall Stadium.
Following the races, participants and spectators are invited to a post-race party at Camp Randall, featuring the Foo Foo Dolls. Â
The idea for the Crazylegs Classic 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 the race the "Crazylegs Run" in his honor.
The first event 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 kick off spring in the Madison community.Â
Register by March 23, 2026, to guarantee your t-shirt size. More information about the event can be found at CrazylegsClassic.com.
Following the races, participants and spectators are invited to a post-race party at Camp Randall, featuring the Foo Foo Dolls. Â
The idea for the Crazylegs Classic 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 the race the "Crazylegs Run" in his honor.
The first event 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 kick off spring in the Madison community.Â
Register by March 23, 2026, to guarantee your t-shirt size. More information about the event can be found at CrazylegsClassic.com.
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