Why? The Cedar Rapids Existentialist Cup Classic was started in Cedar Rapids, Iowa in 1998 to promote running and athletics in general. It was supposed to be a way to give a little something back to the community, not detract from it as it does now. The race started out as a normal race (sort of), offering deep, oddly staggered awards, and no frills. The first year saw 20+ finishers without incident. During that same time period, I spent my time as a CVRA board member trying to rally support for an idea I had to ruin the races of other organizations by showing up in dresses and outrageous costumes. I believed that this was an excellent idea because at least three people said so and they agreed that we would "have to try that sometime". The 1999 CRECC took me completely by surprise as I saw the "Chicks with D$@*ks" van pull up to the curb. Cigar smoke poured out as ten or so ill-prepared runners stumbled out of the vehicle wearing dresses, wigs, and fake breasts. The local newspaper was there taking pictures (gee, I wonder who tipped them off?) and the rest is history. From that moment on, the CRECC run became synonymous with "the red dress run". After many "successful" years, I realized that as a rule, I hate people, so I moved into a little miner's house in the mountains of Montana, where I keep pretty much to myself. Once I year, the CRECC is still held, but now it takes place in Anaconda, Montana, where I have unfortunately discovered, there are just as many freaks. What does existentialism have to do with anything? I don't really know. I just wanted a big fancy-sounding word in the title of the race. It fits, pretty much. Anyway, for those that keep asking me, the definition of existentialism can be found here.