Meet Basil

That work ethic propelled Hansen to become a college cross-country team captain. Over his lifetime, he has completed nearly 500 races, including 87 marathons.

A Legacy of Endurance and a Swollen Foot

When the inaugural Fox Cities Marathon launched in October 1991, Hansen signed up for the “local challenge,” braving occasional snowflakes in a stocking cap and mittens. Today, he is one of just 10 Legacy runners who have finished every single Fox Cities Marathon.

His streak was almost derailed twice: once while recovering from a torn Achilles, and another time by a severe bout of plantar fasciitis at Mile 16. “When I got done, my foot was so swollen I couldn’t get my shoe off,” he said.

Hansen’s grit extends beyond running; the retired Waupaca Foundry employee has also tackled triathlons and competed in the Birkebeiner cross-country ski race for four decades, missing only the years he served in the U.S. Marine Corps.

“Smoke on the Water” and Community Spirit

While Hansen has run dozens of races, the Fox Cities Marathon holds a special place in his heart due to community support. Around Mile 20 of an early race, Hansen was struggling and walking when he saw a local homeowner playing guitar.

“I hollered at him, ‘If you play Smoke on the Water, I’ll start running.’ He started playing, and I ran the rest of the way,” Hansen laughed. Years later, running through the same Lake Shore Drive neighborhood, Hansen recognized the guitarist. “I hollered, ‘Play Smoke on the Water!’ and he said, ‘I remember you!’”