 By Greg Koch | Owner, 605 Running Company
Nobody likes to be told no. Especially me. This week, I started reaching out to businesses about partnering with 605 Running Company for 2027. I believe we have a compelling offer, and I’m excited about what these partnerships could make possible. I also know that asking means hearing no. I understand why. Businesses have budgets, priorities, and plenty of people asking for their support. I’m on the receiving end of those requests, too. Understanding the answer doesn’t always make it easier to hear, especially when you care deeply about the work you’re asking someone to support. Before I get into that work, though, I need to talk about the people who make it possible. Our Fit Advisors, event staff, and coaches are key members of this business. They serve our shoppers, prepare for events, lead programs, and take responsibility for experiences that carry the 605 name. Their work gives me the room to set the standard, develop our people, and build what comes next. It also gives me the room to be a good dad and husband. Working here is a job with expectations, responsibilities, and opportunities to grow. Their time and effort deserve fair pay, clear direction, and recognition. I want our team members to become more confident, more assertive, more curious, better conversationalists, and more capable of making decisions. I’m working toward those same things myself. Leading a business also means watching people move on to other pursuits. Sometimes that’s joyous. Other times it’s painful. For everyone who has spent time with me at the shop, I hope the experience helped them become a better version of themselves. Sometimes that growth may have come because I challenged them, supported them, or gave them an opportunity. Sometimes it may have come from recognizing that I wasn’t the leader they needed, or that this wasn’t the place where they could succeed. That’s harder to sit with, but it belongs in an honest conversation about leadership. I don’t always get things right. My responsibility is to keep learning and moving toward better, while helping the people working with me do the same. Inside the four walls of the shop, it’s easy to feel like a king. People come here because they want to. They tell me they love our store, enjoy our races, and appreciate what we do for the community. I spend much of my day seeing 605 through the eyes of our loyal shoppers and fans. That feels pretty good. Asking another business to invest requires me to step outside that familiar environment. I have to explain our value to someone who may have never shopped with us or attended an event. I have to listen to what matters to them. And sometimes, even after a good conversation, the answer is no. That’s part of a job I never expected to have. I own and operate a running store. I host running events, time running events, and coach running. I didn’t plan on ending up here. Sometimes I’m just as surprised as the people who knew me in an earlier chapter of my life. But I love this job. As a participant, I know the high of crossing a finish line. For me, the feeling is even bigger when our work creates the opportunity for someone else to cross one. I get to see people accomplish something they weren’t sure they could do. I get to witness the relief, exhaustion, pride, and joy that come with it. That has become part of my life’s work. Learning how to sustain it has become a different kind of education. I didn’t set out to ask businesses for partnership or sponsorship money. As our events grew, though, I had to figure out how to support them. At first, that meant separate asks throughout the year. Eventually, I realized I was going back to the same businesses repeatedly, asking them to make another decision for another event. So I changed the approach. One annual partnership could cover our full event calendar. Businesses could understand the whole opportunity, and we could plan with a clearer picture of their commitment. Then I had to learn when to ask. A business might like an idea but have already committed its budget elsewhere. Timing mattered, and I didn’t know enough about it. I got curious, asked questions, and listened. Over time, now became a good starting point for those conversations. I’ve also learned to be more specific about what we offer. Where will a partner’s brand appear? Who will see it? What opportunities will they have to connect with participants? What can we consistently deliver with the people and resources we have? I don’t always get those answers right. I keep refining them. Measuring the value is another part of that learning. Our events bring people to Sioux Falls. They connect businesses with runners, families, volunteers, and people who value an active life. A partner can gain recognition across multiple events while helping support the community where it does business. I think that’s a worthwhile opportunity, but it’s our responsibility to explain it clearly and follow through. This is some of the professional development that happens while you’re running a business. You try something, ask questions, listen, and make an adjustment. There isn’t always someone handing you the next step. You have to stay curious enough to find it. You also have to make time to act on what you learn. Right now, I’m spread thin. We have two stores, and I spend much of my week covering retail shifts. I hire and train our Fit Advisors. I time most of the races we’re contracted to serve. When I can’t be onsite, I’m still the first point of contact and help prepare the staff who will be there. I also help set the direction for our running club and coaching programs. Building a stronger team gives us more capacity to do each of those things well. It creates opportunities for people to take ownership, develop skills, and help shape the business. It gives me time to lead thoughtfully and be present with my family. I believe we offer Sioux Falls something special. When someone visits our store, I want them to feel listened to and leave confident in their purchase. When someone attends a race or program, I want them to feel welcome and know we’ve put thought into their experience. Those experiences depend on the people delivering them. They also take money. Shoes, apparel, timing equipment, internet connections, hotspots, shirts, medals, bibs, timing tags, safety pins, cleaning supplies, and storage space all have a cost. So does the time people spend preparing, organizing, fitting, coaching, and showing up. My family depends on the salary I earn from this business. Our employees deserve fair pay for their work, and I want to offer them opportunities to grow. Those are real responsibilities. Retail sales, timing services, coaching, and partnerships all play a role in meeting them. Another part of staying curious in this job is understanding where we fit alongside nonprofits. I’ve heard the suggestion: “Greg, why don’t you just start a nonprofit? You’d get more money that way.” Maybe. But my next question is always: What would that nonprofit actually exist to do? That’s where I get hung up. I’m a businessman. I own a retail business that also produces events, provides timing services, and offers running programs. I’m asking for partners to help sustain and grow that work. I need to be honest about the purpose of the ask. Sioux Falls has many excellent nonprofits, including running organizations we support including the Sioux Falls Area Running Club and Sioux Falls Women Run. They have their own missions, serve important needs, and deserve investment. I respect their work. For 605 to be its best, I think we need to be equally clear about our own role. We are a business, and we want to partner with other businesses. There is a transaction here. A partner invests money, and we deliver marketing opportunities, brand recognition, race entries, and connections with our community. We have a responsibility to make that exchange worthwhile. Fully funding our partnerships would make a significant difference in what we could do. It would help us build the staffing we need, plan with greater confidence, and give our people more room to do their work well. A stronger 605 also has more capacity to contribute. We can support community requests, recognize volunteers, donate entries, collaborate with nonprofits, and create opportunities for people to participate. In 2026, we’ve provided over $50,000 in community support through cash donations, donated products, race entries, and gift certificates distributed to volunteers, participants, and community causes. Our partnerships help us say YES more often. Some of that impact can be documented in a spreadsheet. Some shows up in a conversation, a new relationship, or someone discovering they belong at a starting line. I want to keep building a business that delivers value to its partners, takes care of its people, and contributes meaningfully to the place we call home. So I’m making the asks. Some will lead to a conversation. Some will lead to a commitment. Some will end with a no. I probably won’t ever enjoy that last part. But I’m learning how to handle it, how to improve the offer, and how to keep moving. I care about the business we’re building and the people helping build it. I want us to keep creating opportunities for someone to find their fit, discover what they can do, and reach a finish line. If your business would like to be part of that work, our 2027 partnership proposal is available here. An introduction to someone who might be interested would mean a lot, too. And to everyone who shops with us, runs with us, volunteers, trusts us with an event, or works alongside me: thank you. You give us the opportunity to keep learning, growing, and building.
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By: Caleb Sayler Hello, Run 605 blog readers! It's been a while. We've been busy serving runners in our stores, and unfortunately the blog got buried in the day-to-day hustle. I figured now would be the perfect time to bring it back. Our Fit Advisor team recently returned from our first-ever staff retreat to the Twin Cities. During our time there, we met with representatives from On, New Balance, HOKA, ASICS, and Brooks while getting hands-on experience with some exciting new products. My biggest takeaway from the trip is just how exciting the future of running footwear really is. Nearly every brand showed us—or at least hinted at—new technology that has the potential to make a real impact over the coming months. We can't share many details just yet, but trust me: when we're able to talk about these new products, you'll be seeing plenty of them on our social media channels. One of the highlights of the trip was spending time with John and Kate from Wild River Running in Stillwater, Minnesota. If you ever find yourself in the area, do yourself a favor and stop into their shop. Their passion for running is contagious, and they've built an incredible community around it. They represent the heart and soul of run specialty, and they left us inspired to continue building that same sense of community here in Sioux Falls. The retreat was also a huge opportunity for our team. We've experienced some recent staff changes and have welcomed several new faces to 605 Running Company. Spending a few days together outside of the store allowed everyone to build relationships, learn from one another, and create the kind of positive team culture that ultimately benefits every customer who walks through our doors. (If you're curious, ask one of our staff members about Kawhi Leonard the next time you're in the store.) Most importantly, this retreat was an investment in education. Our goal was simple: become better at serving you. Every product clinic, every conversation with our brand partners, every store visit, and every mile we ran together was designed to help us better understand the products we recommend and the people we serve. We'll never claim to know everything, and we'll never stop learning. But we believe that investing in our people makes us better at what we do—and that means a better experience every time you visit 605 Running Company. We're excited to put what we learned into practice, and we can't wait to help you find your next favorite pair of running shoes. By: Greg Koch There are some events that just hit a little closer to home. When Heather Reed—teacher at Washington High School and member of the 605 Run Collective—shared her vision for a new 5K supporting the WHS Speech & Debate program, it didn’t take much convincing. As a Washington alum and former debate letter winner myself, this one feels personal. This event isn’t just about logging miles. It’s about backing something that matters. Introducing: Resolved: Let’s Race a 5K Hosted by the Washington Debate Team in partnership with 605 Running Company, this first annual event brings the community together in support of student voice, education, and leadership development. Whether you’re a runner, walker, or prefer to participate virtually, this is designed to be accessible to everyone. No intimidation. No barriers. Just a shared purpose and a starting line. Why Speech & Debate Matters Speech and debate programs do more than prepare students for competition—they prepare them for life. Students learn how to:
In a world that often rewards the loudest voice, these students are learning how to build the most thoughtful one. They’re developing the confidence to speak up, the discipline to listen, and the skills to lead. More Than a Race This event connects more than just runners. It brings together:
All united around one simple belief: student voices matter. Every registration helps ensure that students continue to have access to programs that foster civic engagement, respectful dialogue, and meaningful growth. Let’s Show Up If you’re looking for a race with purpose, this is it. Whether you’re chasing a PR, walking with friends, or supporting from afar, your participation directly impacts the next generation of leaders coming out of Washington High School. That’s worth showing up for. Register here: https://runsignup.com/Race/SD/SiouxFalls/ResolvedLetSRunA5k Let’s support youth voice, education, and leadership—one step at a time. 
There’s something about spring in Sioux Falls that feels like a reset.
The snow melts, the days get longer, race calendars start filling up, and suddenly the whole community comes back to life. Group runs get bigger. New runners show up. Familiar faces return. Momentum builds. That’s what we love most about this time of year. At 605 Running Company, we’re proud to be part of that momentum. Our involvement looks a little different from event to event. In some cases we help fundraise. In others we provide timing support, help produce the event, or collaborate behind the scenes. No matter the role, we are always open to partnership when it helps strengthen the local running community. This spring is full of opportunities to plug in, get involved, and race local. Why Racing Local Matters There are a lot of opportunities to race, and that is a good thing. But local races do more than give us a start line. They support local nonprofits. They create opportunities for local businesses. They build energy that stays in Sioux Falls. When you sign up for a local event, you are doing more than registering for a race. You are helping strengthen a network of runners, organizers, volunteers, businesses, and causes that make this community better. That is the running ecosystem. And it matters. To date, 605 Running Company has supported 11 different local initiatives through gifts, gift certificates and cards, cash donations, and prizes totaling more than $15,000 in the first quarter of the year alone. That kind of impact only happens when people choose to show up for one another and invest in what is being built here at home. More Than Just Race Day Races are just one part of what makes spring so exciting. We also have a full schedule of weekly group runs, in-store clinics with local professionals, training programs, our spring track program, individual coaching, digital education opportunities, and collaborative experiences designed to help more people connect with movement and community. You do not have to be chasing a personal record to be part of this. You just have to show up. Race Local This Spring We’re excited about the races, programs, and partnerships ahead, and we’d love to see strong local participation across the board. Whether you’re signing up for your first event, supporting a cause you care about, or just looking for a reason to stay active this season, there are so many good ways to get involved. Check out some of the local events coming up this spring:
And if you want to keep up with the best in local races, events, and community opportunities, our News & Events section at 605 Running Company is always one of the best places to start.
CONTACT: Cory Myers [email protected] 605-261-7896 Retired Firefighter and Parade Stalwart Kelly Grogan is Third in Family to be Named Grand Marshal of Sioux Falls St. Patrick’s Day Parade The Grogan surname is well-known both in the Sioux Falls’ Irish community and the city at large. A St. Patrick’s Day Parade fixture going all the way back to the beginning of the event, the Grogan family has a long history of leadership at the event. So it’s no surprise that Kelly Grogan has been named as this year’s Grand Marshal of the Sioux Falls St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Kelly, a long-time firefighter with the Sioux Falls Fire and Rescue before retiring in 2014, is the third Grogan to receive the honor of being grand marshal, following his mother Cleopha Grogan in 2001, and older brother Hugh Grogan in 2019. Growing up, Kelly says his mother instilled the importance of the parade into the entire family. “Mom was the one that kept us on the straight and narrow and made sure we knew it was our responsibility to be part of the parade,” Kelly said. “It was important to follow our ancestry and family history, and to keep that Irish pride.” The 46th annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade will take place on Saturday, March 14, in downtown Sioux Falls. In the spirit of founder Sylvia Henkin, it is often called “The People’s Parade,” meaning it is free and open to the public. Anyone can enter a float or walk in the parade as long as they are registered or part of a registered group and are wearing an official St. Patrick’s Day Parade button. This year, the parade also has a presenting “Emerald City” sponsor, Central Bank. Thanks to their generosity, the falls at Falls Park will be lit green from March 13th through the 17th to celebrate the holiday. "Community and family connection are at the core of the St. Patrick's Day Parade, and that spirit aligns naturally with Central Bank's commitment to the markets we serve," said Nick Brown, Regional President and incoming Chief Executive Officer of Central Bank. "We're proud to partner in elevating this experience for Sioux Falls families while also contributing to the meaningful nonprofit work the parade supports. It's an opportunity to celebrate together and give back at the same time." Parade participation buttons cost $3 and are available in advance at The Blarney Stone Pub, 605 Running Company, and The Cookie Jar. Buttons may also be purchased on March 14 before the parade starts. Ryan Murphy, chair of the St. Patrick’s Day Extravaganza Committee, praised Kelly and the Grogan family’s dedication to the parade. The Grogan family is such a stalwart of our parade, and such an important family in our town when it comes to Irish history,” Murphy said. “And when you look at Kelly specifically, all the different ways he’s helped the Sioux Falls community through his career and giving back, he’s a wonderful selection for grand marshal.” Kelly was nominated for grand marshal by family members and friends, and the parade committee reviews nominees, and selected Grogan. Born and raised here in Sioux Falls’ North End, Kelly is part of a large Irish family of 11 children born to Walter Brendan Grogan and Cleopha Isabella (Malloy) Grogan. The middle kid of the bunch, Kelly remembers fondly growing up with his brothers and sisters, as well as all the other families in the neighborhood. “There were advantages to being the middle child,” Kelly says. “Whenever the older kids got to do something, I was one of the older kids. And when the younger kids got to do something, well I was a younger kid. I tried to use that to get out of chores, too.” Kelly and his wife Tania de Oliveira Grogan are part-owners of the family-owned restaurant Roots of Brazil, and have three children; Kaila Gillespie, Jamie Grogan, and Melissa Grogan-Honkomp. Add in the grandchildren (Simone, Shayla, Lucas, Sophia, Izzie, Aubrey, and Irelynn), siblings, nieces, nephews, and in some cases great-grandchildren, and the immediate Grogan family clan has grown to more than 125. And they still make it an effort to gather every year, enter a float, and walk in the St. Patrick’s Day Parade. “It used to be the oldest leading the way, but now we’re getting up in years, and it’s the youngest of our family that are taking the lead,” Kelly said. In an additional nod to that family connection, Kelly has invited his brothers to join him in many of his grand marshal duties this year, including the painting of the shamrock and walking alongside him at the head of the parade. There is one thing they aren’t invited to, though. “Only one of us can speak at the ceremony,” Kelly laughed. “They’d all want a piece of that!” And the family just might have a special float planned to commemorate Kelly’s grand marshal honor. “This year we’re going to go big,” Gillespie said. “The theme will honor our family’s Irish heritage and pay respects to firemen.” The parade, which brings together the regional community in celebration, typically features around 100 entries. Placement in the parade is on a first-come, first-served basis and at the discretion of parade officials. Each entry must incorporate an Irish theme. The website also includes detailed participation rules. Parade Buttons & Community Partnership This year, St. Francis House, a nonprofit serving the homeless, will receive a portion of button sales. Each year, the committee partners with a nonprofit to support their mission. A fun fact: St. Francis House was founded March 17, 1987, and was christened by then-Father James Doyle, who later became Monsignor James Doyle and served as the parade’s Grand Marshal in 1999. Parade Day Events & Route Information
Sponsors & Special Events Including our Emerald City Presenting Sponsor, Central Bank, the parade is made possible through generous contributions from sponsors: Avera Health, Burwell Enterprises, Central Bank, Fiegan Construction, First Premier Bank, Jack Rose Social Club, Security National Bank, Xcel Energy, Lloyd Companies, Maguire, Dakota Beverage, Hagen, Wilka & Archer Law, The First National Bank in Sioux Falls, First Interstate Bank, Minervas, State Farm - Tate Teveldal, and Sir Lines-A-Lot. Additional parade day festivities include:
PHOTOS INCLUDED: Kelly Grogan head shot Four Grogan brothers, from left, Wally, Hugh, Brian, Kelly. Grogan family with one of their parade floats Grogan11. From left: Hugh, Sheila, Shannon, Molly, Patty, Kelly, Brian, Erin, Laurie, Wally, and Colleen Kelly Grogan immediate family in front of Roots of Brazil |
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