Table of Contents

Introduction

The 47th Annual Ocala Reindeer Run returned this December, bringing holiday cheer, athletic prowess, and vibrant community support to Silver Springs Boulevard in Ocala, Florida. Staged just before the Ocala Christmas parade, this beloved 5K event carries forward nearly half a century of tradition, uniting runners of all ages in a festive and competitive atmosphere.

This year’s run stood out not only for honoring the race’s historic route but also for setting new performance benchmarks. From seasoned athletes to aspiring youth, participants thrived amidst the electric energy of the crowd, inspiring everyone to embrace the holiday spirit while pushing their personal limits.

A Return to Historic Roots

For the second consecutive year, the race restored its traditional start and finish in front of Regions Bank on Silver Springs Boulevard. This symbolic return, after a decade-long relocation, reconnects the event to its origins and solidifies its status as one of Florida’s longest-running holiday races. Spectators, many of whom have cheered on runners for decades, appreciated this move back to the original route, as it rekindled fond memories and highlighted the event’s enduring heritage.

Record-Breaking Finishes in 2024

The 2024 edition witnessed remarkable feats from the defending champions. Luke Lombardo clinched the men’s title in a blazing 16:34, surpassing his 2023 record of 16:59. Meanwhile, Sydney Farris dominated the women’s field, finishing in 20:04 and bettering her previous year’s time of 20:59. These standout performances underscore the competitive intensity that the 47th Annual Ocala Reindeer Run continues to foster, while inspiring others to chase their own personal bests.

A Rich Competitive Legacy

The Ocala Reindeer Run’s storied past includes participation by Olympians from the Florida Track Club out of Gainesville. Over the decades, it has attracted elite competitors, top high school athletes, and runners from all over Central Florida. This strong competitive history has made the race a must-attend event on the regional running calendar.

Awards & Age Group Highlights

With more than 200 participants, the first 300 finishers received substantial finisher medals. Additionally, winners in multiple divisions, including Masters and Prep categories, earned uniquely designed Christmas tree ornament awards. This year’s highlights included:

• Overall Male Champion: Luke Lombardo (16:34)
• Overall Female Champion: Sydney Farris (20:04)
• Masters Male Champion: Adam Truesdale (17:47)
• Masters Female Champion: Kelly Farris (21:18)

From elementary-aged competitors claiming titles in the 1-9 age bracket to seasoned runners in their seventies and eighties, the results reflect the race’s inclusive spirit. For a comprehensive breakdown of age-group results and finishing times, refer to the official race data at the end of this article.

Community Involvement & Local Management

The event was expertly organized by Radical Runs, an Ocala-based timing company led by local running enthusiast and coach, Darrin DeTorres. His experience as a Vanguard High School runner and current Trinity Catholic High School coach ensures every detail receives professional attention. Radical Runs also manages other popular local events, from the Mother’s Day 5K to the Labor Day 5K, reinforcing Ocala’s robust running culture.

Youth Development & Future Stars

Through initiatives like the Ocala Distance Project, young runners are nurtured, trained, and encouraged to excel. Many have grown from participating in local 5Ks to becoming state champions and All-American athletes. The 47th Annual Ocala Reindeer Run thus serves not only as a festive event but also as a springboard for developing talent and inspiring the next generation of athletes.

The 47th Annual Ocala Reindeer Run seamlessly blends tradition, community spirit, and athletic excellence. Its return to the historic route, coupled with record-breaking performances, reaffirms its place in Florida’s holiday calendar. As both a competitive proving ground and a cherished family outing, this event continues to celebrate the joy of running, support youth development, and honor the timeless connection between Ocala’s history and its running community.

Full Results Can Be Found Here