Sports
2025-08-245 min readNearly 100 Young Athletes Compete at the Ocala Kids Run
By Staff Reporter
Share:
On Saturday, August 23, 2025, the Ocala Kids Run brought nearly 100 children to the Baseline Greenway Trailhead for a one-mile fun run. Presented by the Ocala Distance Project, the event highlighted both the excitement of competition and the community spirit that continues to grow around youth running in Marion County.
The race featured a wide range of athletes, from 4-year-olds just discovering the sport to 14-year-olds fine-tuning their skills. Each runner took on a one-mile loop course that balanced both fun and challenge, giving families and spectators plenty to cheer about.
The overall champion of the day was Rylee McGovern, who broke the tape in 6 minutes and 40 seconds. The top boys' finisher was Marco Alexis Du, who claimed his division title in 6 minutes and 48 seconds. Both set the tone for a morning filled with impressive efforts and smiles at the finish line.
Timing services were provided by Radical Runs, a local race management and timing company owned by Darrin DeTorres. DeTorres not only oversees Radical Runs but also serves as the head coach of the Ocala Distance Project, tying together his passion for both coaching and event organization.
The Ocala Distance Project has quickly become one of the premier youth running programs in the region. Led by DeTorres, the program focuses on developing athletes from the ground up, providing training opportunities in both cross country and track and field. Many of its athletes have gone on to state titles, national rankings, and standout performances at the high school and middle school levels. Beyond results, the program emphasizes teamwork, sportsmanship, and the lifelong benefits of running.
The Ocala Kids Run is part of that mission—creating opportunities for children of all ages to lace up their shoes, test themselves on the course, and learn the joy of finishing a race. With nearly 100 participants this year, the event continues to grow into a staple of the local youth sports calendar.
Full results from the Ocala Kids Run are available at RadicalRuns.com.
The race featured a wide range of athletes, from 4-year-olds just discovering the sport to 14-year-olds fine-tuning their skills. Each runner took on a one-mile loop course that balanced both fun and challenge, giving families and spectators plenty to cheer about.
Race Winners
The overall champion of the day was Rylee McGovern, who broke the tape in 6 minutes and 40 seconds. The top boys' finisher was Marco Alexis Du, who claimed his division title in 6 minutes and 48 seconds. Both set the tone for a morning filled with impressive efforts and smiles at the finish line.
Timing and Organization
Timing services were provided by Radical Runs, a local race management and timing company owned by Darrin DeTorres. DeTorres not only oversees Radical Runs but also serves as the head coach of the Ocala Distance Project, tying together his passion for both coaching and event organization.
About the Ocala Distance Project
The Ocala Distance Project has quickly become one of the premier youth running programs in the region. Led by DeTorres, the program focuses on developing athletes from the ground up, providing training opportunities in both cross country and track and field. Many of its athletes have gone on to state titles, national rankings, and standout performances at the high school and middle school levels. Beyond results, the program emphasizes teamwork, sportsmanship, and the lifelong benefits of running.
A Growing Tradition
The Ocala Kids Run is part of that mission—creating opportunities for children of all ages to lace up their shoes, test themselves on the course, and learn the joy of finishing a race. With nearly 100 participants this year, the event continues to grow into a staple of the local youth sports calendar.
Full results from the Ocala Kids Run are available at RadicalRuns.com.
sports
running
youth athletics
community
ocala distance project
radical runs
kids run