4th Annual Retro Run 5K: Young Runners Dominate as 146 Finishers Beat Approaching Storms
Sports
2025-08-175 min read

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

By Staff Reporter
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The 4th Annual Retro Run 5K presented by Radical Runs drew 146 finishers on Saturday evening, with runners completing the course just before storms moved into the area at the 7pm start time.

Retro Run 5K race start with runners gathered before the evening race

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.

Lucas Morrow running during the Retro Run 5K race

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.

Sydney Farris competing in the Retro Run 5K

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.

Tasha Moses running with guide runner and assistive technology at the Retro Run 5K

"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.
sports
running
community
youth athletics
retro run
radical runs
Article Information

Published

2025-08-17

Reading Time

5 min read

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Radical Runs LLC
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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. 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.

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