Nicholas Rosselli crossed the finish line 18 minutes and 59 seconds after starting the 5K race. Just a second behind Rosselli, Jakob Santangelo accepted the loss.

The two Apponequet Regional High School track stars kept pace with each other for most of the Potter Elementary School 5K on May 7. The race trailed Cross and Hixville Roads, while spring showers loomed in the distance.

The pair agreed that weather conditions were perfect as the rain held out, and the only challenge was a slight hill on Cross Road. Selectwoman Kelli Martin Taglianetti also took advantage of the conditions, finishing with a 24:03 time, and taking first place in the women’s 40-49 category and 22nd overall.

“It’s so nice to see so many faces out supporting a great cause for a great school in a great town,” Taglianetti said. The monies raised subsidize the school’s enrichment programs, and have covered the new smartboard installations in the past.

In total, 175 runners laced up for the annual event, which is only part fundraiser, explained Event Coordinator Dennis Leary.

“Our goal when starting this race was to get staff and families out of the traditional school environment. It’s a real community builder,” he said.

This year, PTO President Kristen Martinho and Principal Heidi Silva Brooks will use proceeds to bring in STEAM kits – science, technology, engineering, art, and math – and teacher training sessions with the Boston Museum of Science staff.