NEW ULM — The 5K road race season got underway Saturday with 144 runners and walkers at the 10th annual Citizens Race 2 Raise 5K.

The run/walk raised $3,962.80 for the American Cancer Society.

Beginning at 7:45 a.m. in the Citizens Bank Minnesota parking lot, the event continued on 1st St. N., south on Minnesota Street, east on 16th St. S. to the bike trail and back to German Park.

Minnesota Valley Lutheran High School distance runner Jeremy Feistner, 17, of Mankato finished first in 18 minutes, 23.4 seconds, setting a new 14-19 age group and open division record for the race.

“I liked the course that followed Main Street. The race was really flat,” said Feistner.

Kendrick Henry, 19, of Mankato finished second in 19:37.8.

Abigail Jensen, 14, of New Ulm was the first female finisher, taking ninth overall in 23:57.5. Kinley Berdan, 12, was the second female finisher, taking 12th overall in 24:39.9 and setting a new age 13 and under age group record.

Greg Hartmann won the 60-69 mens division in 24:41. Dr. Mario Desousa was second and Mark Ullery third. Mike Soukup, 71, was the first 70 and over male, followed by Jerry Reger and Barry Rockvam.

Dean Warta of New Ulm said he isn’t a runner but entered the event because he liked the cause that all proceeds go to the American Cancer Society.

“We’ve had family members and friends with cancer. We are here to support the cause of raising money to fight cancer,” he said.

A number of women were pushing babies in baby caiages including Cheyenne VanDeest of Lafayette.

“I love running. It helps me stay young,” said Shari Black of New Ulm.

Anne Grunert of New Ulm said she brought her grandson, Jaxton Hoffmann, 9, to run his first 5K.

“I like running,” said Hoffmann.

For complete results, visit https://gsetiming.com.