Ocala Area Runners Shine at 12th Annual Florida Horse Park Invitational

Lucas Morrow, 15, and Sydney Farris, 13, took overall titles at Saturday evening's retro-themed 5K in Ocala, completing the course just before storms moved through the area.

Cody Thompson successfully defended his championship while local running club athletes dominated the podium at Marion County Veterans Park's historic Independence Day race.

Elite distance running training and coaching program based in <a href="/location/ocala" class="text-blue-600 hover:text-blue-700 underline">Ocala, Florida</a>, dedicated to developing runners of all ages and abilities through comprehensive training, professional coaching, and a supportive community environment. Founded and led by head coach Darrin DeTorres, the Ocala Distance Project combines decades of distance running expertise with modern training methodologies to help athletes achieve their personal goals, from recreational fitness to competitive excellence at state and national levels. Comprehensive training programs cater to diverse runner needs through structured membership levels designed to accommodate varying commitment levels and athletic goals. The Starter membership provides an excellent introduction to organized training with one practice session per week, perfect for beginners or recreational runners seeking structure and community support. Core Training membership offers three weekly practice sessions, providing substantial training volume and coaching interaction for runners serious about improvement and consistent development. Elite Performance membership delivers personalized training plans, advanced coaching techniques, and individualized attention for competitive athletes pursuing racing goals and maximum performance potential. Professional coaching expertise stems from Darrin DeTorres' extensive background in distance running, beginning his own running journey in third grade and continuing through decades of competition, coaching, and race organization throughout Central Florida. This authentic understanding of runner development, training progression, and competitive psychology ensures that coaching methods are grounded in real experience rather than theoretical approaches, providing athletes with practical guidance that translates directly to improved performance and running satisfaction. Coach DeTorres also operates <a href="/businesses/radical-runs" class="text-blue-600 hover:text-blue-700 underline">Radical Runs LLC</a>, Central Florida's premier race timing and event management company, providing comprehensive understanding of both training and competitive racing logistics. Youth development focus demonstrates the program's commitment to building Central Florida's future running community by introducing young athletes to proper training techniques, racing strategy, and the lifelong benefits of distance running participation. Through structured coaching and mentorship, young runners develop not only athletic abilities but also discipline, goal-setting skills, and confidence that benefit all areas of their lives while potentially qualifying for Florida State meets and USATF National competitions. Community building extends beyond individual training to create a supportive network of runners who encourage each other's progress, share training experiences, and participate together in local racing opportunities throughout <a href="/location/marion-county" class="text-blue-600 hover:text-blue-700 underline">Marion County</a> and Central Florida. This community aspect ensures that athletes find motivation, friendship, and accountability within their training group, making the running journey more enjoyable and sustainable over time. Local expertise provides invaluable knowledge of Central Florida running conditions, including optimal training routes through <a href="/parks/silver-springs-state-park" class="text-blue-600 hover:text-blue-700 underline">Silver Springs State Park</a> and other scenic locations, seasonal weather considerations, local racing opportunities, and connections to the broader running community throughout Ocala, Gainesville, and surrounding areas. This local knowledge ensures that training plans and racing strategies are perfectly suited to regional conditions and opportunities. Racing preparation encompasses comprehensive support for athletes pursuing competitive goals, from local 5K races through marathon distances, including technical guidance on pacing strategy, racing tactics, and mental preparation that maximizes race day performance. This racing expertise, combined with professional race timing services through Radical Runs, helps athletes achieve personal records while enjoying the competitive racing experience. Flexible training approach accommodates the diverse schedules and commitments of working adults, students, and families by offering multiple training times and adaptable training plans that fit real-life circumstances while maintaining training effectiveness and progression toward athletic goals. The Ocala Distance Project represents the perfect combination of professional coaching expertise, community support, and local knowledge, creating an environment where runners can achieve their goals while developing lasting friendships and a lifelong appreciation for the sport of distance running in the heart of <a href="/living-in-ocala-florida" class="text-blue-600 hover:text-blue-700 underline">Central Florida</a>.

Florida High School Athletic Association Cross Country meet featuring top high school runners from across the state. Watch young athletes compete in this challenging sport at the beautiful Florida Horse Park venue.

Nearly 100 children participated in Saturday's Ocala Kids Run at Baseline Greenway Trailhead, with Rylee McGovern taking the overall title in 6:40.

A new kind of race is coming to the Baseline Greenway Trailhead this August—and it's designed just for kids.