Timothy Debility, 25, of The East Side Milwaukee Turners finished the 5K first with a time of 24 minutes, 22 seconds.

Deblitz said he had run several 5K by himself over the summer. Though he finished first, he said he was a little slower than past runs.

“It felt like the longest 5K,” he said. Deblitz was not certain what made this 5K extra challenging. There was some sand and mud on the route, but no major obstacles.

Deblitz said he was pleased with New Ulm Turnfest. He believed the was organized well and the local volunteers liked what they were doing.

Timothy Deblitz finishes first in the Turnfest 5K with a time of 4 minutes, 22 seconds. He was followed closely by Peter Kretsch who finished two seconds later. Photo by Clay Schuldt

“There has been a great showing from the New Ulm Turners,” Deblitz said.

A New Ulm Turner, Peter Kretsch, 62, was Deblitz closest challenger. He finished the 5K with a time of 24 minutes 24 seconds, just two seconds behind first.

Kretsch said had run many 5Ks before. Humidity was a challenge with the run. He also saw debris from the storm, but said it was a minor obstacle.

Mason Oatey, 42, of Cleveland Turners finished third with a time of 25 minutes 35 seconds. Oatey said the 5K was a great way to see more of New Ulm.

“It is a neat town,” he said “It’s been fun and very welcoming.”

Staff photo by Fritz Busch Long Island, New York residents from left, Frank Wedl, 87; and Theresa Buehler, 80; were among the oldest Turnfest participants. Both competed in four track and field events, swimming, coed volleyball and pickle-ball.

A retired Greater New York construction manager, Wedl competed in the 50 meter dash, shot put, softball throw and standing broad jump track and field events.

A former college swimmer, Wedl won the 1953 New York City Backstroke Swimming Championship.

Buehler competed was named track and field all-around senior champion, swam in three events and played senior coed volleyball and pickleball.

They enjoy playing pickleball the most.

Both of them are competing in several Turnfest swimming events.

Born and raised in Manhatten, the couple are good friends that walk, bowl and play senior coed volleyball and pickleball.

“I’ve always been physically active,” said Buehler. “We’re good swimmers, especially Frank.”

“We’ve been competing in Turnfests in 1959,” she added.

Buehler competed in Turnfest gymnastics a couple decades ago.

“Heredity has a lot to do with the shape you’re in,” said Wedl.

“We try to avoid eating sweets and junk food. We try to take care of ourselves,” added Buehler.

Saturday is the last day of Turnfest. At 8 a.m. Women’s Swimming will begin at the Rec Center and Men’s Volleyball 14+ at the Middle School. At 12 p.m. Men’s Swimming will be held at the Rec Center and Women’s Volleyball +14 at the middle school.

A special closing banquet and awards ceremony will be held 6 p.m. at Turner Hall.