Photo courtesy of Citizens Bank A total of 101 runners and walkers braved the wet, chilly weather Saturday morning to participate in the Citizenz Race 2 Raise 5K, an event that benefits the Brown County Cancer Society’s Relay for Life.

NEW ULM — Former Minnesota Valley Lutheran High School cross country teammates Levi Stelljes and Brandon Steffl finished first and second in the 2019 Citizens Race 2 Raise 5k run/walk Saturday.

“It was like old times. Brandon and I raced together in high school. He always finished ahead of me then,” Stelljes said after covering the 3.1-mile course in 18 minutes, 30.6 seconds.

“Weather conditions were about perfect,” said Stelljes, a secondary math education major at Martin Luther College.

Steffl, an engineering major at Minnesota State University, Mankato, toured the course in 19 minutes, 56.8 seconds.

Mark Weinkauf finished third in 20 minutes, 3.9 seconds.

Hannah Vermeer, 25, was the first female finisher in 21 minutes, 32.2 seconds. Lisa Hagen was the second female to finish in 22:43.9. Gwynne Gutzke was the third female in 23:11.7.

A total of 101 participated in the 5th annual race that began in the parking lot behind Citizens Bank Minnesota, continued on streets and the New Ulm bike trail system, finishing at the east edge of German Park.

All proceeds for the event go to the American Cancer Society Relay for Life.

Medals were awarded to the top three males and females in seven age groups.

For race results, visit https://www.gopherstateevents.com/