12 Days of 5Ks Spotlight: Nathan Schwab

By: Greg Koch
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Today’s 12 Days of 5Ks spotlight shines on Nathan Schwab—a steadfast supporter of 605 Running Company and a cornerstone of the Sioux Falls running community.

I can’t exactly recall when I first met Nate, but I’m so glad I did. Over the years, he’s been one of the most loyal and involved members of our community. From being part of our race team, run crew, and pace team to volunteering at events and cheering on others, Nate has truly done it all. Beyond that, he has held key roles with the Sioux Falls Area Running Club and launched the Trail Race Series (TRS), which has become a highlight of the local running scene. On a personal level, Nate has also been a fantastic friend—joining me on runs, offering invaluable advice, and even lending me a copy of St. Ralph during my marathon training days.

Here’s what Nate had to say when I asked him about his journey, his connection to 605, and his aspirations for the future:

Holiday Reflections
For Nate, the holiday season is a time to slow down, spend quality time with family and friends, and recharge after a busy summer and fall. He feels fortunate to get an extended break over the holidays, which he spends with his wife Rachael, their kids, and close friends.

Connection to 605 Running Company
Before 605 Running Company opened, Nate’s involvement in the running community was mainly through the Sioux Falls Area Running Club. He would join Saturday morning runs or attend picnics occasionally. But when 605 entered the scene, it elevated the sense of connection within the running community to a whole new level.

“After 605 opened and started group runs and supporting local races, it just brought the running community together on another level,” Nate said. “The connections to other runners and being inspired to try new races and distances really helped me personally become a better and more accomplished runner.”

Nate’s own Trail Race Series (TRS) also benefited greatly from 605’s support. “Just the outreach in getting the word out about our races was huge in getting it off the ground,” he added.

Favorite Running Memories
One of Nate’s fondest memories involving 605 is a particularly frigid group run when the wind chill was below zero. He was the only person who showed up that morning, but we still got the run done—just a few miles downtown in the icy cold. As a bonus for braving the elements, Nate won an entry to the Skedaddle!

When it comes to favorite running adventures, Nate points to his first Black Hills 50K. The trip included mountain biking, bonding with friends, and staying in a cozy cabin before tackling his first ultra-distance race. “The race went well,” Nate shared, “with me finishing my first longer-than-half-marathon race without cramping. It was a great time all around.”

Looking Ahead to 2025
After a year filled with injuries, Nate is cautiously optimistic about taking on the Black Hills 100 in 2025. “I would love to say I’ve accomplished that distance and earned my buffalo skull trophy,” he said. Another priority for Nate is staying healthy so he can run alongside his son, Brady, who has recently embraced running himself.

Winter Running Inspiration
For Nate, winter running has its own magic—especially during a snow globe-like snowfall. His key to enjoying colder runs? Embrace the initial chill, as it only lasts for the first 5-10 minutes. He also emphasizes the importance of investing in good gear, like trail shoes, a quality running jacket, and a buff.

Nate jokes that buying a running jacket from 605 was the best decision he ever made. “I can wear that and a t-shirt in 10-degree weather. No more five layers and massive laundry loads!”

Community Appreciation
Reflecting on nearly two decades of running in Sioux Falls, Nate expressed his gratitude for the friends he’s made and the ways running has shaped his life. “If you had told me after college that I’d be a runner, be on the board of the SF Run Club for eight years, and be putting on trail races, I don’t think anyone would have believed you,” he said.
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His advice to the 605 community is to find ways to give back consistently, not just once or twice a year. “You don’t have to have a lot of money to impact your community,” he said. “Volunteer on a board, become a mentor—just find something you can do on a regular basis that makes your community a better place.”

Nathan Schwab’s dedication to the running community and his passion for giving back are an inspiration to us all. From everyone at 605 Running Company, thank you, Nate, for everything you do to make our community stronger, one mile at a time.

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