12 Days of 5Ks: Spotlight on Morgan Sauer

By: Greg Koch
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​Sometimes you come to a fork in the road with two clear and obvious paths. Then there are those rare individuals who find a third path—the artists, the innovators. That’s exactly how I’d describe Morgan Sauer, Marketing and Community Engagement Manager at 605 Running Company. Today, Morgan didn’t just join me for a 5K; she redefined what running in Sioux Falls could look like by taking me on paths I had never considered running before.

This creativity and fresh perspective are why Morgan is such an integral part of our team. But beyond her role at 605, Morgan has achieved something truly extraordinary—she recently published her first novel, The Hero Dies in the End. This new adult novel, which can be found at Barnes & Noble and other retailers, is the product of grit, creativity, and determination.

Morgan started writing during a difficult chapter in her life—recovering from an injury that kept her sidelined from running. With a broken body and a lengthy recovery ahead, she poured her energy into crafting her book. Inspired by her own journey of transition and growth, the story carries Christian undertones and speaks to new adults navigating life beyond school.

Join Tonight for Morgan’s Book Open House!
We’re excited to celebrate Morgan’s incredible achievement with an open house at our Bridges location tonight from 6-8pm. This is your chance to:

• View snapshots of her editing process
• Meet Morgan in person
• Purchase her book
• Have your copy signed!

Let’s show up as a community to support this incredible accomplishment.

A Deeper Look at Morgan’s Journey
In our interview, Morgan shared her love for the holiday season, running in the snow, and pushing her limits. She’s looking ahead to 2025 with big plans to conquer new trail races and continue exploring the world—whether that’s hiking Sequoia National Park or tackling the Glacier Hills Ultra.

As we celebrate the holiday season and the incredible people in our community, let’s take a moment to recognize Morgan for her artistry, passion, and dedication to 605 Running Company. She reminds us that every journey—whether it’s a run or writing a novel—starts with a single step.

On how 605 Running Company impacted her life, she said:

“When I first started working at 605, I had been battling an injury for over a year and could barely run 1 mile daily. The community surrounding 605 continually inspired me to keep running. It reminded me how much of a positive effect running has on my life and others.”

Morgan also reflected on her favorite memory with 605:

“One of my favorite memories was my first year helping with the Skedaddle Half Marathon. It snowed, sleeted, and rained all before the race began—and people still had fun. It shows how hardy the people who live here truly are. We can find fun in just about anything.”

As for winter running, Morgan’s love for the snow shines through:

“I LOVE winter. Running in the snow will never not put a smile on my face. The air is so crisp and refreshing. There’s nothing like the crunching cadence of a run down a snowy road or path.”

Finally, her message for the 605 Running Co. community during this season of giving was heartfelt:

“We are pretty darn blessed to have a running community such as this so I’d like remind everyone of this fact. There are so many people without a dedicated running store, or even enough people around to do a group run. So cherish it, and support it.”

Call-to-Action:
Don’t miss tonight’s event! Stop by The Bridges from 6-8pm to support Morgan, celebrate her incredible accomplishment, and be inspired by her journey.

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