One of Florida’s longest-running races, the Ocala Reindeer Run 5K, is set to celebrate its 47th year this Saturday at 4:20 PM. Presented by the Gaekwad family, the race will take place along Silver Springs Boulevard in Ocala, Florida, immediately preceding the Ocala Christmas parade.
Return to Historic Route
For the second consecutive year, the race will start at its traditional location in front of Regions Bank on Silver Springs Boulevard. This marks a significant return to the race’s roots, following a decade when the event started and finished in front of South State Bank on the boulevard.
Rich Competitive History
The Reindeer Run has established itself as a magnet for competitive runners, particularly drawing top high school athletes from across Central Florida. In the early years, it is said that Olympians from the Florida Track Club out of Gainesville would participate in this historic event.
The 2023 race featured an impressive sweep of victories, with West Port High School’s Luke Lombardo claiming the men’s title in 16:59, while Sydney Farris posted a remarkable time of 20:59 as just a sixth-grade student. In 2022, Adam Truesdale and Caroline Northup claimed the top spots, while the 2021 edition was won by Ryan Elfring and Emma Curtis.
Race Details and Awards
This year’s event is expected to draw between 250 and 300 competitors. The first 300 finishers will receive substantial finisher medals, while all participants will compete for uniquely designed Christmas tree ornaments featuring the race logo as awards.
The event will recognize several categories of winners, including:
– Overall male and female champions
– Masters division male and female champions
– Prep division male and female champions
Local Organization
The race is being managed by Radical Runs, an Ocala-based timing company owned by Darrin DeTorres. DeTorres brings significant local running expertise to the event, having competed for Vanguard High School and later serving as an assistant coach there. He currently serves as the head cross country coach and assistant track coach at Trinity Catholic High School.
Radical Runs has established itself as a cornerstone of the local running community, organizing several other prominent events including:
– Mother’s Day 5K
– Retro Run 5K
– Fortonado 5K
– Irish Eyes are Mileing 5K
– Labor Day 5k
DeTorres also leads the Ocala Distance Project, a youth running program focused on developing elementary and middle school athletes into competitive distance runners. Under his guidance, the program has produced both state champions and All-American athletes.