Run becomes tradition

By JEN SEAVEY

Journal Sports Editor

NEW ULM -- People from New Ulm to St. Joseph to Clarksville, TN congregated at the New Ulm Medical Center Saturday morning to run -- or walk -- in the 20th annual Heritagefest Run, a tradition for many area runners.

Jill Windschitl, originally from Sleepy Eye, and Carm Sipe of Appleton, Wisc. ran in the two mile race Saturday. The two took first and second in the 10K run last year, and decided to invite two friends from Wisconsin Lutheran College to join them this year. The group came from Milwaukee Friday night, just to be in New Ulm for the race.

"Last year, we were just the first ones to finish that didn't get lost, so it doesn't really count," Windschitl said, explaining that the leaders took a wrong turn and ran two extra miles last year. "Now, it's a tradition to come to the Heritagefest run."

Adam Krzmarzick, son of Jacque and Pat Krzmarzick of rural New Ulm, was one of those runners last year who ran the extra two miles. This year, the 15-year-old ran the race for the third time, partially to get into shape for running track and cross-country at Sleepy Eye St. Mary's.

"I enjoy running, and it is a good way to motivate you in the summer," Adam Krzmarzick said. "There's a couple of people who run these races really fast, but I think I can compete. I'm in the 24 and under group, but a lot of the college kids eat a lot of pizza."

One of the runners who wanted to run the two-mile race to be competitive was Jordan Budenski of New Ulm, who finished the race first in 10 minutes, 40 seconds after taking second last year.

"Dale Bahr beat me last year -- he ran it in under 10," he said. "He had his pet dog along too -- that made me feel bad."

Budenski has run at Heritagefest since he ran in the Kinderlauf race as a kid, and thinks it is a good tradition.

"It's fun watching people grow up with this," he said. "Now that I'm out of school, I want to help people accomplish things."

But many people ran or walked the race for fun or exercise -- many as families. Jonathan and Michelle Johnson and their 11-year-old daughter Molly came to the Run with four other family members. Jonathan and Molly Johnson ran the race, and the rest, including Tara Deopere of Shakopee and Stacey Anderson of St. Joseph, walked.

"I've been at it a while -- I wanted to get back into shape," Jonathan Johnson said. "It is grueling but fun."

Molly Johnson has been running to prepare her for the race, as well for playing U12 soccer. But the whole family appreciated the race day.

"It's good just to get out and enjoy the nice weather," Anderson said.