The Badger Herald

NEWS

Crazylegs event to attract 15,000

MATTHEW KUTZ/Herald photo

Looking for a print version?
Simply choose ‘Print’ on your computer and a printer-friendly document will be generated.

Also by Ken Harris:

Crazylegs event to attract 15,000 (April 25, 2008)
Microsoft, UW announce plans for new lab downtown (April 24, 2008)
Interest group funds up in air (April 24, 2008)
UHS announces 4 finalists for director position (April 22, 2008)
Association honors 7 distinguished UW alumni (April 22, 2008)

by Ken Harris

Friday, April 25, 2008

More than 15,000 will be working up a sweat Saturday morning as they make their way from Madison’s Capitol Square to Camp Randall Stadium during the 27th annual Crazylegs Classic.

Terry Murawski, executive director of the National W Club, which hosts the run/walk, said he expects a record-breaking 17,000 participants when walk-ups join the crowd already signed up for the race.

Murawski said the recent increase in participants is likely due to the Badgers’ recent athletic success and the success of the previous events.

“The Badgers have never been hotter than what they are now,” Murawski added.

The Grand Marshall of the event will be former Heisman Trophy winning University of Wisconsin running back Ron Dayne, who currently plays for the Houston Texans of the National Football League.

Murawski said getting Dayne for the position is great public relations for the event and also Dayne himself.

“I think his plans are to move back here when his career is over, so this is a great way for him to participate in the community,” Murawski said.

As Grand Marshall, Dayne will be greeting participants at the starting area and welcoming them as they cross the finish line in Camp Randall, according to Murawski.

Past Grand Marshalls include former football player Pat Richter, former Olympian runner Suzy Favor Hamilton, UW Athletic Director Barry Alvarez and UW football head coach Bret Bielema.

The Crazylegs Classic is named after Elroy “Crazylegs” Hirsch, a former UW football star and athletic director when the event was founded in 1981. All proceeds go to the UW athletic department.

The event consists of an eight-kilometer race for runners and a two-mile walk for those who just want to take a stroll. Walkers will start on the corner of State and Carroll streets and runners will start on Capitol Square. Both routes end at Camp Randall.

Vince Sweeney, senior associate director of athletic communications, said the event has been a big breadwinner collectively over the years, but the money is not the most important.

“The bigger impact is the positive feel on part of UW athletics,” Sweeney said. “It’s one big Badger love-fest.”

He added Crazylegs is a reunion for many Badgers around the country to meet with others with whom they have participated.

Murawski said volunteers work to make the event fun so people want to come back.

“The best marketing is a good event,” Murawski said. “It’s like when you go to McDonald’s to eat there, and if you really like it, you go and tell your friends about it.”

Murawski said there will be entertainment inside Camp Randall when the race is over. Regional band The Love Monkeys will play after the UW marching band, he added.

“We know how to throw a party,” Murawski said.

Feedback

Show all comments

Hide anonymous comments

Anonymous (April 25, 2008 @ 9:05am):

So the Crazylegs is an event promoted as a Fundraiser. Can somebody PLEASE explain why the filthy rich Athletic Department needs a fundraiser? Yes, I am aware that the lesser sports are basically subsidized by the deep-pockets of the Football, Basketball and Hockey Programs. But really, kids, if the Athletic Department can afford the huge salaries paid to the coaches of those programs (not to mention the salary of Barry Alvarez), how about sharing the wealth? Wouldn't it be a wonderful gesture of goodwill to may help out the cash-strapped high school sports programs...local kids' charities...donate sports equipment to the Boy's & Girl's club? The possibilites are endless. I used to run the Crazylegs, as it really is a fun event. But I can no longer, in good conscience, continue to line the pockets of the Athletic Department! I am encouraging students and the community to demand that the Athletic Department share the wealth!!!

Anonymous (April 25, 2008 @ 1:25pm):

Did that clown compare Crazylegs to going to McDonald's? Well, I do usually throw up after both...

What a maroon.

Anonymous (April 27, 2008 @ 10:35pm):

Reply to 9:05

...hate to tell you, but if it wasn't for this race and great way to fundraise, the money to fund our athletic dept would come out of students' pockets. pretty sure you'd be complaining MORE if you had to pay more than the $25 registration fee to fund UW sports. So let's not complain.

Add a comment

We welcome your thoughts, but please keep your feedback thoughtful, on-topic and respectful. Offensive language, personal attacks, or irrelevant comments may be deleted.