Crazylegs

Every April the University of Wisconsin athletic department organizes its fundraising race called Crazylegs. For about $20-$30 (depending on when you register), you can particpate in the 8k race or 2-mile walk. Participants (all of whom get a free Crazylegs T-shirt) start at the Capitol, wind their way through campus and end at Camp Randall Stadium.

It's particularly amusing to pass all the students outside their apartments as they cheer you on and play "Chariots of Fire." Also, many runners/walkers wear costumes.

The finish line is one big party. The UW Marching Band performs, as well as another band, and there is free beer.

More info at http://www.crazylegsclassic.com/.

Wisconsin Film Festival

It's that time of the year where winter is hanging on for dear life, baseball is about to begin and the Wisconsin Film Festival takes place in downtown Madison. Since its inception in 1999, I've enjoyed many movies such as "Godfather of Green Bay," "Better Luck Tomorrow" and "Bon Cop, Bad Cop." Roger Ebert even stopped by one year.

If you're wary of going to see independent movies but still want to see what all the fuss is about, I recommend seeing the movies that take place around 7 p.m. at the Orpheum. These movies usually will be appreciated by the largest audience, while the movies at the other (smaller) venues may be more niche.

Tickets are general admission and cost $7 each ($4 with valid student ID). Don't worry if a movie is sold out. You can stand in the rush-ticket line and wait for last-second tickets to open up; I've never had a problem getting into a sold-out movie.

More info at www.wifilmfest.org.