The Crazylegs Classic is an annual 8 kilometres (5.0 mi) running race and 2 miles (3.2 km) walk held each spring in Madison, Wisconsin in the United States.
[1] The idea for the race was hatched in late 1981 by Tom Grantham, Ken Sparks, and Rich Backus, who wanted to raise money to support Wisconsin athletics.
[2] As admirers of Hirsch, who was then serving as UW–Madison's athletic director, they asked his permission to name it the "Crazylegs Run" in his honor.
In 2002, the Road Runners Club of America chose the Crazylegs Classic one of twenty "Great Races!
[10] In 1995, University of Wisconsin-Madison Chancellor David Ward ordered the Crazylegs Classic course to be rerouted given other events taking place on campus.
[13][14] The Crazylegs Classic has honored notable individuals by having them serve as grand marshal for the race, including: