 By: Greg Koch
There’s no marathon quite like The Running Event (TRE) marathon. The final day arrived in a whirlwind, starting with an early morning work session on my computer. Being away from the stores is always challenging; being away during race week adds another layer of complexity. The day officially kicked off with a fantastic Lululemon meetup. They hosted an inspiring event complete with networking opportunities, merchandising training, and some excellent breakfast tacos—a solid way to fuel the day ahead. From there, I went straight into a meeting with my friends at Asics to review upcoming products for Fall 2025. By 11 a.m., I finally made it to the trade show floor, diving headfirst into a packed schedule: a meeting with Chicken Legs Apparel, a rushed lunch, an hour reconnecting with an old Jackrabbit friend, a quick meeting with Chronotrack and then straight to ON Running. The Hustle and Reflection The day was a blur—a nonstop whirlwind of meetings and moments. By the end of the trade show, I was left with the bittersweet realization that there simply wasn’t enough time to see everything. This year’s TRE highlighted both the bright future ahead for 2025 and the roller coaster ride that has been 2024 for 605 Running Company. In a healthy business year, I’d bring key staff members to TRE to share the workload and experience the magic together. As a team, we’d network with existing partners, discover emerging brands, dream about adding aspirational ones, and bond outside the store’s four walls. However, the past two years have been different. Our attendance at TRE has been made possible by the honor of being named one of the Best Running Stores in America. This recognition provides free admission, educational sessions, and accommodations—an opportunity I’m profoundly grateful for. Representing our community at TRE fills me with pride, but it also fuels a deep desire to improve. To our customers: thank you for making this possible. Your support allows us to show up, grow, and bring back what makes 605 Running Company better for everyone. Celebrating the Industry The day concluded with the TRE Awards Ceremony, a humbling and inspiring night that celebrates the best and brightest in the industry. Early in my career, I would sit in this room feeling like an outsider, knowing of other stores and industry leaders but lacking personal connections. Now, I’m fortunate to know many of the honorees and have spent meaningful time with them at events and learning sessions. What I love most about this evening is how it challenges me to reflect on our own business. It pushes me to evaluate our strengths and weaknesses, identify opportunities for growth, and confront the barriers holding us back. Self-reflection is never easy, but it’s necessary. To be the best, we must surround ourselves with the best. As I sat in that room, the bittersweet reality of not being able to share this honor with my team weighed heavily on me. But that weight also fuels my determination to build a stronger, healthier version of 605 Running Company—one that thrives not just for me, but for my team and our community. Coming Home While TRE uplifts and inspires, it also drains. As an introvert and a homebody, I’m ready to get back to my wife and daughter and recharge for the holidays. But I’m coming home with so much more than I left with: new knowledge, stronger relationships, finalized agreements with new brands, and a clear strategy for success in 2025. The future is bright, but we’re not waiting for 2025 to shine. We have an exciting plan to finish this year with a bang. I invite you to shop with us, join our remaining group runs, and support your local running community. Together, we’ll continue to build something special. Thank you for being part of this journey.
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 By: Greg Koch
Walking onto the trade show floor at The Running Event (TRE) feels like stepping into a dream. Imagine your childhood home suddenly filled with every toy you ever wished for—that’s the magic of this event for a running store owner. The buzz, the brands, and the endless possibilities are almost overwhelming in the best way. Even after a decade in the industry, I’m humbled by the generosity and opportunities TRE offers. My day started on an exciting note: I was gifted a pair of the all-new Brooks Glycerin Max. The significance of these shoes deserves its own post, but suffice it to say, they set the tone for an unforgettable day. A Morning of Connection The day kicked off with a group run. In a world where pace often overshadows presence, I chose to embrace the moment for what it was—a chance to connect and enjoy. I paired up with a friend and his community outreach manager, who expressed concerns about her hip and her run-walk style. No problem—running is about the journey, not the speed. As we looped around the state capitol, we picked up another participant, expanding our little group. Together, we ran, walked, talked, and explored. It was simple yet profound—a reminder of why we do what we do: to connect, inspire, and move forward together. Partnerships in Focus TRE isn’t just about products; it’s about people. My primary goal for the day was to meet with our top brands, thank them for their partnership, and strategize for the future. Business, like life, is far from perfect, but with strong partnerships and a shared commitment to improvement, we can thrive. As my role evolves, so do my relationships with our brand reps. Today’s meetings focused on alignment—on defining mutual goals, understanding the key players in our shared success, and planning for 2025. These conversations weren’t just transactional; they were transformational. By fostering open communication and building trust, we’re laying the foundation for sustained growth. A Special Evening The day ended with dinner alongside industry peers and friends from South Dakota: Mike from Black Hills Running in Rapid City and McKenzie from Shoe Science in Aberdeen. TRE can be overwhelming, especially for newcomers, and I remember feeling like an imposter in those early years. Now, as a seasoned attendee, I relish the opportunity to share my knowledge and connections. Over a delicious meal capped with bread pudding, we discussed ways to connect our stores and communities, shared best practices, and made plans for future collaborations. Moments like these remind me that while TRE is vast, it’s the relationships that truly matter. A Chance Elevator Ride As I wrapped up the evening, an unexpected encounter put the perfect bow on the day. While scrambling for an elevator, I found myself sharing the ride with none other than Brooks CEO Dan Sheridan. He glanced at my feet and said, “Nice shoes.” I smiled and sincerely thanked him, name-dropping my sales rep and territory manager for good measure. After a brief exchange of niceties, Dan introduced himself, and I couldn’t resist channeling my inner Han Solo with a cheeky “I know.” We shook hands, exchanged a few more words, and went our separate ways. It was a small but memorable moment—a reminder of how intertwined this industry is and how every connection, big or small, makes a difference. Final Thoughts Day 2 at TRE was all about relationships—whether on a morning run, in brand meetings, or over dinner. These connections, both new and old, are the heart of what makes our work in the running specialty industry so rewarding. As I prepare for another day, I’m reminded of the simple truth: success in this business isn’t just about selling shoes—it’s about walking (or running) alongside others, every step of the way.  By: Greg Koch
Greetings from Austin, Texas! I’m here attending The Running Event (TRE), an annual trade show that brings together the best and brightest in the run specialty industry. This is an event I’ve been fortunate enough to attend multiple times, and each year it seems to get better. I’m also thrilled to share that 605 Running Company has once again been recognized as one of The Best Running Stores in America (2023, 2024). I’ll be attending the award ceremony this Thursday, and I can’t wait to celebrate this honor. TRE truly is a magical experience. Imagine Disney World for runners—a trade show floor filled with every imaginable brand, endless opportunities to network with peers, and, for me, a chance to immerse myself in the culture of continuous learning. Today, though, stands out as my favorite day: Education Day. Starting the Day with a Group Run Every TRE Education Day starts the right way—a group run. For several years now, I’ve had the privilege of joining Danny Smith, Senior Writer for Running Insight Magazine, for his group run. This is a low-frills gathering, but the connections I’ve made during these runs are priceless. I’ve forged lifelong friendships and partnerships during these miles, and today was no exception. Insights on Passion and Leadership One of the highlights of the day was a session led by Matt and Jenna Gawors, the owners of Confluence Running, titled Keeping the Magic: Maintaining Your Passion When Your Passion Becomes Your Job. This deep dive explored how to stay motivated and avoid burnout, both personally and professionally. I even pushed myself out of my comfort zone by volunteering for a live demonstration! We discussed tools like the 5 Love Languages, Myers-Briggs, and the Big 5 personality traits, as well as ways to better understand stress and motivation within a team. It was enlightening and provided plenty of actionable takeaways for 605 Running Company. Building a Stronger Industry The day also included some important executive-level meetings. One of the most rewarding aspects of being part of this industry is building relationships with peers and thought leaders. I had the chance to share updates on a project I’m passionate about: the Running Specialty Cooperative. This initiative emphasizes the importance of healthy, independent running stores in our communities, and I appreciated the candid feedback received. In a special meeting, I also began laying the groundwork for a new brand debuting in 2025. While I can’t say much yet, I’m confident this addition will bring something exciting and fresh to our Sioux Falls community. Feel free to share your guesses in the comments—I’d love to hear what you’re hoping to see in our store! Developing Healthy Rep Relationships In the afternoon, I attended a session titled Developing Healthy Rep Relationships, which built on conversations I helped start at the first-ever Run Congress earlier this year. This discussion delved into the dynamics between brands and brick-and-mortar stores, offering candid insights and strategies to strengthen these partnerships. It’s a topic I’m passionate about, and I’m eager to keep these dialogues going. A Powerful Panel Discussion Before the evening's celebrations, I attended an incredible panel discussion featuring some of the biggest names in the running industry:
Hearing this level of support and recognition from top industry leaders was truly inspiring. It reinforced how important our work is in Sioux Falls and beyond, and it left me feeling even more motivated to continue building on what we’ve achieved. Wrapping Up with Industry Celebrations The evening concluded with parties hosted by some of our favorite brands, including Hoka, Asics, and New Balance. It’s always an honor to be invited to these gatherings and to connect with the people behind the products we love. That said, I’ve opted to turn in early tonight—there’s so much to look forward to tomorrow when the trade show floor officially opens. What’s Next? Tomorrow is all about the trade show, and I’ll be meeting with your favorite brands to explore new gear and products for 2025. I’d love your input: What do you want to see on our shelves at 605 Running Company? Share your thoughts in the comments, and let’s make 2025 our best year yet. Stay tuned for more updates as TRE continues! By: Greg Koch In Sioux Falls, every choice we make contributes to a larger story. This past month, for example, our Trick or Treat Trail Run saw record attendance, allowing us to give back $2,000.00 to the Special Olympics of South Dakota. I’m grateful to be part of a community where moments like these—and the choices we make as a local business—can ripple outward to support meaningful causes. As we head into the holiday season, I’m reminded how much potential lies in our small actions and how every choice is a chance to strengthen our community. Last month, I volunteered at the Union Gospel Mission with SME Sioux Falls, St. Francis House with the 605 Run Crew, and was honored to be voted in to chair the Board of Directors in 2025 for Downtown Sioux Falls, Inc. These choices have given me deeper insight into our city and shown me the importance of strengthening connections within our community. As the sole owner of 605 Running Company, I’ve come to realize that every choice we make—every bit of time we give, every dollar we spend locally, every step we take together—is a chance to build a stronger Sioux Falls. A New Season, A Shared Vision Taking on the role of sole owner of 605 Running Company, I’ve come to see that running a small business here is about more than transactions; it’s about building connections and investing in the community’s future. To bring value to Sioux Falls, we’re launching our first-ever holiday preview sale, followed by Black Friday and Small Business Saturday events. Some of these are new steps for us, and we’re hopeful they’ll bring more people through our doors and highlight the importance of shopping local. I've been very candid about the challenges we've faced in 2024. While some retail businesses see 40-60% of their annual revenues during November and December, our business has never experienced a holiday boom like that. In fact now is when we traditionally have slowed down. This new season offers a chance to change that trend in our stores. If I'm being honest we really need a great last two months of the year. Why Local Support Matters When you support a local business, it’s more than a one-time interaction—it’s a choice that impacts jobs, supports local causes, and keeps our community unique. A few dollars spent on essentials like socks, nutrition, and gear may seem small, but together, these purchases create a foundation that sustains businesses like ours and so many others in Sioux Falls. We have added a plethora of new items that are easier purchases than brand new shoes or high quality apparel. Options that can be tried once with low risk. You'll have to visit to see these added goodies. Looking Forward Together For over 20 years, my family has operated a small business here (The Cookie Jar Eatery), and I’m proud to continue that legacy with 605 Running Company. My plan is that together, we can create a future where small businesses thrive and contribute to a vibrant Sioux Falls. Each step we take together is a chance to build the city we want—a place that celebrates and sustains its local roots. The Power of Everyday Choices As we enter the holiday season, I invite you to choose local. Volunteer at local organizations that care for all of our citizens. Believe me there is so much love and support that make the experiences well worth your time. Every small purchase is a chance to invest in the community we love. Your support is essential to making this vision a reality, and I thank you for walking this journey with us. October in photos!By: Morgan Sauer  The 2024 Trick or Treat Trail Run supports Special Olympics South Dakota. Special Olympics South Dakota provides year-round Olympic-type sports for more than 2,750 individuals with intellectual disabilities. They have more than 12 sports offered throughout the year, free health screenings, a Young Athletes program for individuals who are 2-7 years old to prepare them for Special Olympics, and their Unified Champion Schools program that promotes inclusion through activities and sports for schools across the state. Learn more at: https://sosd.org/ During packet pick up at our 605 Running Co. downtown location, we are putting on a unique event with Hoka where participants can meet these amazing athletes. Hoka Demo and Meet the Athlete Experience 🢇 Keep reading for a full profile on each athlete illustrating their accomplishments. 🢆  Jaren grew up in Sioux Falls! He has three brothers and graduated high school in 2022. He is with the Sioux Falls Lancers delegation and competes in basketball, athletics, swimming, powerlifting, softball, bocce, and bowling. Jaren has been with Special Olympics for 11 years. When he’s not participating in Special Olympics year-round, he enjoys running, acting, and LEGO sets/bricks. He has been involved in theater since he was 9. The first show he did was with Lifescape. His favorite Special Olympics memory would be his first 400-meter race. He kept falling every 30-50 meters, but he still finished. That was when he realized that without pain there is very little success not only on the track, but in real life, as well.  Max is 13 years old and is a 7th grader. He is with the Sioux Falls Lancers delegation, which he began when he was 8. He participates in bowling, basketball, athletics, and bocce. Outside of Special Olympics, Max likes to play with his friends; especially tag, swim in the summer pool, swing, and spin on his swing outside – rain, snow, wind, or sun! He enjoys helping his dad with Law Enforcement Torch Run events that support Special Olympics South Dakota, like the Polar Plunge or Chase the Ace.  Lydia has participated with Special Olympics South Dakota for many years and is with the Sioux Falls Lancers. She is a junior at Harrisburg High School. She competes in basketball, softball, swimming, and athletics. She is a big sports fan and loves the South Dakota State Jackrabbits!  Nick will be attending the Special Olympics World Winter Games Turin 2025 in Italy. He is competing in Alpine Skiing. Nick works for Special Olympics South Dakota as an Administrative Assistant for the past five years. He has competed with Special Olympics for 20 years and has competed in Alpine skiing, athletics, basketball, bowling, soccer, and volleyball. In additional to sports, he enjoys being on the Athlete Leadership Council serving as the Health Messenger and attending Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics events.
Nick earned his diploma from Southeast Technical College as a software support specialist. So come on down Friday, October 25th from 4pm-7pm, try out Hoka demo shoes, and meet some talented athletes! |
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