Nearly 100 Young Athletes Compete at the Ocala Kids Run

Chip-timed 1-mile fun run designed for young athletes ages 4-15. Free event encouraging kids to get active and have fun while running. All participants receive a finisher medal and refreshments.

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>.

Radical Runs LLC represents the pinnacle of professional race timing and full-service event management throughout Central Florida, combining cutting-edge RFID technology with comprehensive event planning expertise to deliver precision timing solutions and seamless race experiences for 5K and 10K events across Ocala, Gainesville, Jacksonville, and surrounding communities. Founded and operated by Darrin DeTorres, a passionate distance running advocate with decades of experience since beginning his running journey in third grade, this specialized company brings authentic understanding of runner needs and race logistics that can only come from genuine involvement in the Central Florida running community through coaching, race directing, and ongoing participation in the sport at all levels. Comprehensive race timing services utilize state-of-the-art RFID chip timing technology that ensures accurate, reliable results for every participant while providing real-time race monitoring, split timing capabilities, and immediate result processing that meets the highest standards expected by competitive runners and recreational participants alike. This precision timing system accommodates events ranging from small local 5K fun runs through major regional competitions, ensuring that every race receives professional-grade timing services regardless of size or budget constraints. Full-service event management encompasses every aspect of race planning and execution, from initial concept development through post-race result distribution, including comprehensive course design that ensures runner safety while creating challenging and enjoyable race experiences. Radical Runs' event management expertise includes permit coordination, vendor management, volunteer coordination, registration systems, safety planning, and the logistical coordination that transforms race concepts into memorable community events that attract participants and support local causes. Course design excellence reflects deep understanding of Central Florida terrain, weather conditions, and runner preferences, creating routes that showcase local communities while providing optimal racing conditions for participants seeking personal records or simply enjoying recreational running experiences. This course design expertise includes traffic management coordination, safety marshal positioning, aid station planning, and finish line setup that ensures smooth race flow and positive participant experiences throughout events. Community involvement distinguishes Radical Runs through Darrin DeTorres' extensive leadership in Central Florida running, including his role as founder and head coach of the <a href="/businesses/ocala-distance-project" class="text-blue-600 hover:text-blue-700 underline">Ocala Distance Project</a>, a youth running program that introduces children to the love of running while developing competitive athletes who qualify for Florida State meets and USATF National competitions. This grassroots involvement ensures that Radical Runs understands the complete spectrum of running community needs from youth development through adult recreational and competitive racing. Race directing experience includes founding and organizing signature Central Florida events such as the annual Labor Day 5K, which has become a cornerstone of Ocala's running calendar while supporting local charities and bringing the community together through shared love of running and fitness. As title sponsor of the annual Reindeer Run presented by The Gaekwad Family, Radical Runs provides professional race timing and organization for this beloved holiday tradition that attracts families throughout Marion County. This hands-on race directing experience provides invaluable insights into participant expectations, volunteer management, and community engagement that translates into superior service for client events. Technology integration ensures that Radical Runs stays current with evolving race timing and management technologies, providing clients with access to advanced registration systems, real-time result updates, social media integration, and participant tracking capabilities that enhance the racing experience while simplifying event logistics for race organizers and reducing stress for participants and spectators. Educational commitment through the Ocala Distance Project demonstrates Radical Runs' understanding that successful racing communities require ongoing development of new participants, coaches, and race organizers, ensuring the long-term sustainability and growth of Central Florida's running culture while providing pathways for young athletes to pursue their running dreams through proper coaching and competitive opportunities. Professional networking throughout Central Florida's running community, including connections with local running clubs, retail stores, coaching organizations, and athletic departments, ensures that Radical Runs can provide comprehensive support and resources for event organizers while helping participants connect with ongoing training opportunities and community involvement that extends far beyond individual race experiences. Radical Runs LLC represents the perfect fusion of technical expertise and genuine passion for running, where professional-grade timing technology, comprehensive event management, authentic community involvement, and deep understanding of runner needs combine to create race experiences that honor the sport while providing the reliability and precision that participants deserve throughout Central Florida's vibrant and growing running community.

Marion County Fire Rescue (MCFR) saved 12 dogs from a fully-involved mobile home fire in Ft. McCoy on July 4.