One runner was absent from Madison's 27th Annual Crazylegs Classic.

Last month, NBC 15 reported on the sudden death of Adam Nickel. The U-W Madison graduate student and avid runner died after crossing the finish line at the Little Rock marathon in Arkansas.

Saturday, one group of runners and walkers, with bright yellow shirts, decided to go the distance to honor and remember their late friend and co-worker.

"We have 89 people which were more than we expected. We were hoping for about 50, so that just goes to show the type of person Adam was," said Mark Wilberg.

Wilberg is the team captain. He worked with 27-year-old Adam Nickel at Group Health Cooperative.

Nickel, a third year pharmacy student at the UW, collapsed and died after running a marathon in Little Rock, Arkansas. Nickel loved to run. So when Wilberg and some other co-workers and friends heard the devastating news, they started thinking about what they could do. They decided to do something Nickel would have enjoyed. They got a team together and geared up to take part in the Crazylegs Classic.

Sarah Balzar is part of the team honoring Nickel. She was a pharmacy students with Nickel and said they became really good friends over the past three years.

"Adam was a completely dedicated person. He never did anything half heartedly he always put his full heart into everything he did. Even running races, he always finished and he always finished them strong," said Balzar.

Balzar says Crazylegs was one of Nickel's favorite races. So the group felt it was only natural to have a big group walking and running, in right colored shirts with Nickel's picture on the back.

"I think we're all going to be thinking of him on the run or walk and just say hey, Adam, we wish you were here doing this with us, but we're here to support you and your memory," said Wilberg.

So, his co-workers from Group Health Cooperative and his colleagues at the UW School of Pharmacy took step, after step, after step, to keep the spirit of the man they knew and loved alive.

"He was a great person and it's really just sad he's not here to do this with us," said Balzar.

"Just full of life, great guy, very passionate about life. He never did things half-way he always said let's do it and let's give our best," Wilberg explained.

Saturday, 89 people did their best to finish strong and make Adam proud. "I just think he would be amazed," smiled Balzar.

Autopsy results show Nickel died from a rare and difficult-to-detect heart condition.

The UW School of Pharmacy has set up a memorial scholarship fund in his name. For more information click over on our News Links section.

ABOUT THE RACE:
The Crazylegs Classic is an 8-K run or 2-mile walk to raise money for UW athletics.

The event is named after Elroy "Crazylegs" Hirsch, the late Badger football player known for his unique running style.

"World" magazine has rated the Crazylegs Classic as one of America's Best 100 Events.