Five teams assembled on Deerfield’s Lower Fields to contest a 5k race in close-to-ideal conditions. Harriers from Exeter, Andover, Northfield Mount Hermon, Choate, and Deerfield all toed the line for the biggest regular season race of the fall. The race got out hot, with the lead runners passing the first mile marker in under 5 minutes, before the eventual winner from Exeter pulled away. Nonetheless, the Deerfield runners maintained their composure and stormed through the second half of the race to earn a convincing second place in the team rankings, behind only the reigning NEPSTA champions from PEA. The Doors will lick their wounds and return to training for the final two weeks of the season in an effort to catch the Lions of Exeter. Closest at hand, however, is the final home meet of the season against Northfield Mount Hermon, next Saturday afternoon.