Wearing short running shorts, Converse shoes and sweatbands, racers of all ages can get geared up to beat their opponents in a race of time.
The 3rd Annual Retro Run 5k event is from 7 to 10 p.m. Saturday at the Ocala Citizens’ Circle, at SE Osceola Avenue in Ocala. More than 150 retro runners have signed up for the event according to Darrin DeTorress, founder of the event, which is hosted by the Ocala Distance Project. The Ocala Distance Project is dedicated to helping build better distance runners. Those interested in signing up for the race can visit runsignup.com/Race/FL/Ocala/OcalaRetroRun5k. The first 300 racers to cross the finish line will receive a medal and there are awards for the first three runners in each age group category. Awards also be given for best dressed and fastest 5K in Chucks.
“It’s our goal to bring out people who don’t normally participate in running events,” said DeTorress. “This is the last summer hurrah race in Ocala before cross country season starts in the fall.”
Though it was originally planned to be a night event, the last two years, the event has occurred in the daytime. This is the first time it will happen in the evening.
“Part of the impact goal is helping out the community,” DeTorress said. “On Saturday mornings, most business aren’t open, but on Saturday nights, we hope people go to the local restaurants and bars downtown. This is not only about benefiting the athletic community, this is about the community as a whole.”
DeTorress, a running star at Vanguard High School before graduating in 2006, said he has worked a lot of running events in the city over the years. He said he noticed participation for local long-distance events has increased.
“We are seeing more and more people participating in the races, especially more youth,” he said. “After meeting them, we invite them to train with our youth training program.”
DeTorress said that several runners in the race started with the youth programs years ago.
“It’s a big circle,” DeTorress said. “We are feeding into ourselves.”
Racers are encouraged to dress in themed clothing. They are encouraged to wear crazy, creative outfits featuring bright colors or tights under their shorts.
In 2022, recruiters with the U.S. National Guard, who recruit during the race event, came dressed in ’70s disco apparel, which left a lasting impression on DeTorress.
“Seeing them come out dressed down was kinda cool,” he said. “My family is military and because of that I know how structured it can be. Having them come out in their disco gear, it humanized them to people. They don’t seem like they are serious all the time.”
DeTorress feels as though the connections he made during his career as a runner allowed doors to open later in life. He was inspired to bring running programs to the area after going to college in Jacksonville.
“I wanted to introduce that here and this is one of the many puzzle pieces to reach that goal,” DeTorress said, explaining that lengthy history allowed for the area to build a robust running community.
By introducing running to the community and making it a fun, engaging activity, DeTorress said he is able to accomplish his other goal of keeping the community healthy.
“It’s not always about the fastest person,” he said. “By having other awards, we get to recognize others who may not have qualified for the awards. We want to encourage others to be happy and feel good at the event,” DeTorress said.
Staff writer Brea Jones can be reached at 352-753-1119, ext. 5414, or brea.jones@thevillagesmedia.com.
