 By: Greg Koch
When you think about the Dos Equis commercials featuring the “Most Interesting Man in the World,” I can’t help but think about Ben Devlin, our Weekend Manager at 605 Running Company. For the past seven years, Ben has been an anchor for our shop and an irreplaceable part of our culture. Ben described himself as a “fine arts kid” who didn’t discover running until college. This unique perspective has helped him thrive in his role. Fluent in German, a historian, a teacher, and an incredibly well-read individual, Ben’s intellect and warmth influence everyone he meets. We often joke about his social media presence—he’s most active on Goodreads and Strava—but his real influence comes from the way he shapes the people and environment around him. For me personally, Ben has been a rock. During my struggles with paternal postpartum depression and finding a work-life balance as a retail entrepreneur, Ben stepped in as a leader. His ability to listen, support our team, and ensure the weekend shift was always running smoothly was vital to our success. Ben filled the gaps when I couldn’t and helped maintain the sense of community and professionalism our customers expect. But Ben’s talents extend far beyond 605 Running Company. He also works full-time at The Old Courthouse Museum, where his job could involve anything from building exhibit structures to conducting detailed historical research. He’s my go-to source for anything related to Sioux Falls history, U.S. presidents, and more. In the spirit of our 12 Days of 5Ks, I asked Ben to reflect on his experiences and insights: Holiday Reflections “I usually think about opportunities during the holiday season. The beginning of a new year makes me excited for setting new goals, making new friends, and having new experiences. A tradition of mine is to listen to history mini-series podcasts about the presidents, the constitution, and the space race while I do most of my winter running on the north side of the bike trail.” Connection to 605 Running Company “It’s impossible for me to overstate the impact 605 Running Co. has had on my life and running. The store has helped me become a more ambitious runner and provided me with tools to achieve my goals. More importantly, it’s introduced me to many inspirational people, and I’ve made lifelong friends along the way.” Favorite Running Memories “I’ve grown to love my role during the Sioux Falls Skedaddle Half Marathon. I’m one half of the team that drops off and picks up aid stations along the race course. By the time we’re cleaning up stations, we eventually catch up to runners and get to cheer them on with the aid station crews. Seeing the runners’ appreciation makes lugging tables and water jugs around hours before the race starts worth it. Running in races is a lot of fun, but you get a completely different feeling of joy while working for them.” Holiday Inspiration “For me, the hardest step is the first one out the door. Once you’re out there, your body does a remarkable job warming up within the first couple of miles. Just make sure to invest in good winter gear and layer appropriately!” Ben’s humility, strength, and creativity make him truly one-of-a-kind. Even in challenging conditions—like tonight’s frigid 15-degree weather with gusty winds—he inspires me to keep going. Ben Devlin isn’t just our “Most Interesting Man.” He’s a leader, a mentor, and a friend. Thank you, Ben, for everything you do for 605 Running Company and the Sioux Falls community.
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