At Ocala Distance Project, we are committed to developing athletes who are passionate about distance running. Our mission is to provide elite-level training and coaching to help runners achieve their full potential.

We believe in a holistic approach to training that encompasses not just physical conditioning, but also mental preparation, nutrition guidance, and recovery strategies.

We specialize in middle- and long-distance development, working with athletes in events from the 400 meters all the way up to the 5K. Our program is built around age-appropriate training, consistency, and helping young runners reach their potential while staying healthy and motivated.

Last year, we sent three athletes to New Balance Outdoor Nationals in Boston, where they competed against the top middle school runners in the country. Over the past nine years, our athletes have earned multiple All-American honors, state championships, and national-level results.

As a coach, I’ve had the opportunity to work with athletes at every level — from beginners to national champions.

Coaching background:

Darrin DeTorres
Head Coach — Ocala Distance Project
Former Head Coach — Trinity Catholic
Former Assistant Coach — Vanguard

Notable athlete achievements include:

 • Joey Fitzpatrick (Private Coaching Client) — AAU National Champion (Cross Country); Middle School State Champion in XC, 800m, 1500m, and 3000m

 • Cedric McFadden (Trinity Catholic) — Florida High School Indoor & Outdoor 800m State Champion

 • Elizabeth Mulford (Vanguard) — Florida High School XC and 3200m State Champion

 • Vanguard High School 4x800 Relay — 2x State Champions

 • Ocala Distance Project Elementary Girls Team — State Champions

 • Reese McGovern (Ocala Distance Project) — 2nd Grade Cross Country State Champion

 • Jacob Rogers (Ocala Distance Project) — Florida Middle School 800m State Champion

Weekly practice schedule:

 • Mondays — 5:30 PM at Jervey Gantt

 • Wednesdays — 5:30 PM at Jervey Gantt or Trinity Catholic

Upcoming meets and events:

 • Jan 17–18 — Jimmy Carnes Invitational (Gainesville)

 • Feb 8 — FLYRA Indoor Championships (Gainesville)

 • Feb 14 — Valentine’s Day 5K (Silver Springs State Park)

 • Feb 21 — Early Season FLYRA Qualifier (Wildwood)

 • Mar 3 — Wildwood Middle School Invitational (Wildwood)

 • Mar 12 — Buffalo Ridge Middle School Invitational (The Villages)

 • Mar 14 — Luck of the Leprechaun 5K / 1 Mile (Ocala)

 • Apr 25 — FLYRA Nature Coast Invitational (Wildwood)

 • May 9 — Mother’s Day 5K (Ocala)

 • May 15–16 — FLYRA State Meet

We offer a free 3-day trial, so families can come out, meet the coaches, and see if the program is a good fit before committing.