
4th Annual Retro Run 5K: Young Runners Dominate as 146 Finishers Beat Approaching Storms

Overall Winners
Fifteen-year-old Lucas Morrow won the overall title in 17:47. Morrow is a sophomore on the Belleview High School cross country team, continuing the strong tradition of local high school runners competing in Marion County races.

Sydney Farris, 13, took the women's overall title with a 20:39 finish. The St. John Lutheran 8th grader also runs for the Ocala Distance Project and was ranked 39th nationally among 7th graders last season after running 11:19 in the 3K.

Masters Division Champions
Logan Bollenback won the masters men's division and placed second overall with a time of 19:44. Emma Luetgert captured the masters women's title, also finishing second overall in 20:45.
Wide Age Range Participation
The race attracted runners across all age groups, demonstrating the inclusive nature of Ocala's running community. Seven-year-old Liam Raney was the youngest finisher, completing the course in 50:13. Ted Smith was the oldest participant, finishing in 46:54.
Inspiring Inclusion Story
Tasha Moses, a visually impaired athlete, completed the race with assistance from a guide runner. Moses wore Meta Ray Ban sunglasses as part of testing the technology for navigation assistance. She plans to use them at the New York City Marathon, which will be her first World Marathon Major.

"It's incredible to see our local running community embrace athletes of all abilities," said race director Darrin DeTorres. "Events like this show what makes Marion County's running scene so special."
Event Organization and Community Impact
Radical Runs, an Ocala-based event company, timed and organized the race. Company owner Darrin DeTorres also owns Notice Me Marketing and Media and coaches the Ocala Distance Project, which includes runner Sydney Farris.
The retro theme added a fun element to the evening race, with many participants sporting 80s and 90s-inspired running gear and accessories. The event's timing just before storms added excitement, with all runners safely completing the course before weather moved through the area.
Local Running Development
The strong performance by young runners like Morrow and Farris continues to highlight the growing strength of youth distance running in Marion County. Both winners train regularly in the Ocala area and compete for local schools and clubs.
The Ocala Distance Project, which coaches Farris, has been instrumental in developing young talent throughout the region. The club's athletes regularly compete at state and national levels, bringing recognition to Marion County's running programs.
Looking Ahead
Next week, Radical Runs will host the Ocala Kids Run at Baseline, a free one-mile run for children. Registration is available at runsignup.com.
Full results from the 4th Annual Retro Run 5K are available at radicalruns.com.
Summary
The 4th Annual Retro Run 5K featured strong performances from young runners, with teenagers taking both overall titles. The event included participants ranging from 7 years old to senior citizens, and accommodated athletes of all abilities, including visually impaired runners. Despite threatening weather, all 146 participants completed the course before storms arrived.
The 5th Annual Retro Run 5K is expected to return in 2026, continuing this popular addition to Marion County's running calendar.