Linsey Smith may have taken her gloves off at the halfway point of the 27th annual Crazylegs Classic, but it wasn't like she was confusing Saturday morning's brisk wind with some sort of comforting ocean breeze.

When was the cruel chill the most noticeable?

"The whole time," Smith said. "A couple of times I noticed it was at my back, but most of the time I felt like it was in my face."

Smith, a former University of Wisconsin runner, managed to win in the wind, finishing the 8K run in 28 minutes, 51 seconds in her first Crazylegs event, one that drew a record 17,296 participants.

"It was hard to stay motivated and keep pushing the pace with the wind, and there wasn't anyone around to help block the wind," Smith said. "I had to dig deep within myself and do it for (myself) as opposed to a good time."

'A Havahla Haynes (29:38) and Brionne Yosten (30:42), both former UW runners, finished second and third in the women's run, respectively.

Smith, 25, got a good start in training for an upcoming 25K run in Michigan. She lives in Madison with her husband, Brian, who competes in Ironman competitions.

With the new $3,300 bicycle she was awarded for her victory, Smith might have better equipment than her husband.

"Actually, yes," Smith said. "And he just bought a brand-new one."

Smith said the highlight of the race is finishing in Camp Randall Stadium, where runners cross the finish line near the 50-yard line, cool down in the stands with water, fruit and beer while chilling to some music.

This year's Grand Marshal, former UW running back and 1999 Heisman Trophy winner Ron Dayne, added to the festivities.

Dayne signed autographs, took pictures and shook hands with fans. While the atmosphere didn't rival the one here when Dayne was running wild in his college days, the Houston Texans running back enjoyed his time back in Madison.

"It's great," Dayne said. "I love the fans. The people are just great out here."