By: Greg Koch

At 605 Running Company, we believe in the power of local partnerships to bring our events to life. Today, we’re excited to feature the Sioux Falls Food Co+op, a community-owned grocery store dedicated to providing high-quality, affordable food options while fostering a strong sense of community. We sat down with Becky Squyer, Director of Marketing & Community Outreach, to learn more about their mission, their connection to the running community, and a favorite St. Patrick’s Day memory!
About Sioux Falls Food Co+op & Their Partnership

Can you introduce yourself and your business and tell us what you do?
I’m Becky Squyer, Director of Marketing & Community Outreach at Sioux Falls Food Co+op. We are a community-owned and operated grocery store, open to everyone—whether you’re a member-owner or not. Our focus is on providing high-quality products at competitive prices while fostering a sense of belonging in Sioux Falls.

What inspired your business to partner with 605 Running Company?
The Co+op is always looking for ways to be more involved in the community. Partnering with 605 Running Company connects us with a like-minded group of people who are engaged in caring for their bodies and making healthy choices.

What does supporting local events like this mean to your business?
As a community-driven grocery store, we believe that supporting local events helps us strengthen and grow our network of health-conscious, engaged individuals. Whether you’re a runner, a foodie, or both, we love connecting with people who care about what they put into their bodies.

What’s one thing you wish more people knew about your company?
We are open to everyone! While you can become an owner, you don’t have to be one to shop at the Co+op. We also focus on affordability with our Co+op Basics (everyday pantry staples at great prices), Co+op Deals (rotating sales), and Co+op Fresh Deals (discounts on produce). There’s something for everyone here!
​
Will your team be participating on race day?
We’re not sure yet about this specific race, but we are excited to participate in future races!

Do you have a favorite St. Patrick's Day memory?
For me, it’s participating in the Downtown Sioux Falls St. Patrick’s Day parade as a child! I’m a born-and-raised DTSF girl and have lived within a mile of Phillips Avenue my entire life.

A huge thank you to Becky Squyer and the Sioux Falls Food Co+op for their commitment to building a stronger, healthier Sioux Falls. Be sure to check them out next time you’re looking for fresh, high-quality food options in the heart of our city!

By: Greg Koch
​
At 605 Running Company, we know that local partnerships are key to making our events truly special. Today, we’re excited to feature CaveGamers, a Sioux Falls-based business that has grown from repairing Xbox 360 consoles to becoming a top retailer of retro video games, systems, and toys. Founded in 2010 by Bobby Brockmueller, CaveGamers has served over 500,000 customers and continues to expand its presence both online and locally. We sat down with Bobby to learn more about his business, their connection to the running community, and, of course, their ultimate race day hype song!


About CaveGamers & Their Partnership
Can you introduce yourself and your business and tell us what you do?
My name is Bobby Brockmueller, and I’m the founder of CaveGamers. We specialize in retro video games, gaming systems, and collectibles. What started as a small project fixing Xbox 360 consoles has grown into an online retail business serving customers across the country. We recently expanded our operations in Sioux Falls with a new 54,000-square-foot office and warehouse to better support our growing customer base.


What inspired your business to partner with 605 Running Company?
As a Sioux Falls-based business, we love supporting local events that bring the community together. The 605 Running Company has created an incredible culture of inclusivity and excitement around running, and we wanted to be a part of that energy. Plus, running and gaming both require focus, strategy, and endurance—so it’s a great fit!


Community & Event Involvement
What does supporting local events like this mean to your business?
Supporting local events helps us connect with the community in meaningful ways. While we primarily operate online, we’re always looking for opportunities to engage with Sioux Falls residents and show our appreciation for the support we’ve received over the years. Events like these allow us to give back while celebrating the incredible people who make Sioux Falls such a great place to live and work.


What’s one thing you wish more people knew about your company?
Many people know us as an online store, but we are deeply rooted in Sioux Falls. We’re passionate about gaming culture and love helping people reconnect with their favorite childhood games. Our expansion here is just the beginning—we’re committed to growing in Sioux Falls and continuing to serve gamers of all ages.


Will your team be participating on race day? If so, what are you most looking forward to?
We’re always up for a challenge, but for this race, we’ll be cheering from the sidelines! We love seeing the excitement and energy that comes with race day, and we can’t wait to support the participants.


Fun & Personal Touch
Do you have a favorite St. Patrick’s Day memory?
St. Patrick’s Day in Sioux Falls is always a great time! One of my favorite memories is just walking through downtown, seeing everyone dressed up in green, and enjoying the community celebrations. The energy is contagious!


If your business had to pick a “hype song” for race day, what would it be?
"Eye of the Tiger" by Survivor—because every great race needs a little training montage energy!


Anything else you’d like to share with the 605 Running Company community?
We’re excited to be part of this event and to continue growing our connections in Sioux Falls. Whether you’re a runner, a gamer, or both, we love being part of this amazing community. Thanks for having us, and good luck to everyone on race day!

A big thank you to Bobby Brockmueller and CaveGamers for their support of the Lucky 7’s Race and their commitment to the Sioux Falls community. Be sure to check out their incredible selection of retro games and collectibles online!

By: Greg Koch
​
At 605 Running Company, we know that local partnerships are key to making our events truly special. Today, we’re thrilled to feature Experience Sioux Falls, an organization dedicated to showcasing our city as a must-visit destination. Formerly known as the Sioux Falls Convention & Visitors Bureau, Experience Sioux Falls plays a crucial role in attracting meetings, conventions, sporting tournaments, and leisure travelers. We sat down with Allyson Kasch, Director of Sales, to learn more about their mission, their support for the running community, and of course, their ultimate race day hype song!


About Experience Sioux Falls & Their Partnership
Can you introduce yourself and your business and tell us what you do?
We are Experience Sioux Falls, formerly the Sioux Falls Convention & Visitors Bureau. We are a destination marketing organization whose primary focus is selling the City as a unique destination for meetings, conventions, sporting tournaments, and leisure travelers.

What inspired your business to partner with 605 Running Company?
We recognize the importance of community events to the visitor industry as a whole. We saw this as a valuable opportunity to not only support this amazing event but also to increase awareness of Sioux Falls as a destination on the rise.

Community & Event Involvement
What does supporting local events like this mean to your business?
We believe that supporting events like this creates a stronger sense of belonging, brand awareness, and involvement in the local community. Collaborating with local businesses also helps us identify opportunities for growth and visitor development.

What’s one thing you wish more people knew about your company?
One thing people might not realize about Experience Sioux Falls is that we are a valuable resource, not just for visitors, but also for local businesses. We offer support with event planning, help connect businesses with potential clients, and are always working to promote Sioux Falls to visitors in order to boost the local economy. Our official Sioux Falls Visitor Guides are a great way for businesses to get in front of visitors exploring the City.

Will your team be participating on race day? If so, what are you most looking forward to?
Unfortunately, we are not able to participate.

Fun & Personal Touch
Do you have a favorite St. Patrick's Day memory?
Our favorite memory is watching our beloved Sylvia Henkin in action on St. Patrick's Day. She loved Sioux Falls so much and was an amazing advocate for our great city.

If your business had to pick a “hype song” for race day, what would it be?
"Celebrate" by Kool & The Gang

Anything else you’d like to share with the 605 Running Company community?
We are so appreciative of businesses like 605 Running Company that drive folks to visit Sioux Falls. These types of events not only bring visitors to our city, but they also create a sense of excitement and pride among our local community.

A big thank you to Experience Sioux Falls and Allyson Kasch, Director of Sales, for their support of the Lucky 7’s Race and for their commitment to growing and promoting our incredible city. Be sure to check out their resources to discover even more ways to explore Sioux Falls!

By: Greg Koch

​At 605 Running Company, we are incredibly grateful for the support of our local business partners who make events like the Lucky 7’s Race possible. Today, we’re excited to feature PepsiCo, a company that has long been dedicated to community involvement and is joining us as a race partner this year. We spoke with Mike Weygand, a sales representative for PepsiCo, to learn more about their commitment to supporting local events, their personal connection to running, and, of course, their race day hype song.

About PepsiCo & Their Partnership
Can you introduce yourself and your business and tell us what you do?
My name is Mike Weygand, and I am a sales representative for PepsiCo. I work with local small businesses to provide beverage services that best suit their business needs.

What inspired your business to partner with 605 Running Company?
Being an avid runner myself, I have participated in several 605 Running Company races over the years and wanted to see Pepsi as a partner.

Community & Event Involvement
What does supporting local events like this mean to your business?
PepsiCo has always been a huge supporter of local charities and events. We believe in giving back to our community in as many ways as possible. Whether it be by supporting individual people or groups, Pepsi is ready to give back. Local race events like this are just a small way that we can show how much we care.

What’s one thing you wish more people knew about your company?
Pepsi is a well-rounded company that offers more than just soda. We provide many healthy drinks and foods that are geared toward health-conscious individuals.

Will your team be participating on race day? If so, what are you most looking forward to?

Unfortunately, we will not be able to participate in this event, but we are excited to support the runners!

Fun & Personal Touch
Do you have a favorite St. Patrick's Day memory?
When my family first moved to Sioux Falls seven years ago, one of the first community events we attended was the St. Patrick's Day parade. We had so much fun watching the floats go down the street.

If your business had to pick a “hype song” for race day, what would it be?
"The Right One Baby" by Ray Charles.
​
Anything else you’d like to share with the 605 Running Company community?
We are excited to partner with 605 Running Company for the first of many years to come!

A huge thank you to PepsiCo for their support of the Lucky 7’s Race. We’re thrilled to have them on board and look forward to many great years of partnership ahead. Be sure to grab a refreshing PepsiCo beverage after you cross the finish line!

By: Greg Koch

At 605 Running Company, we are incredibly grateful for the support of our local business partners who make events like the Lucky 7’s Race possible. Today, we’re excited to feature The First National Bank in Sioux Falls, the presenting partner of the Lucky 7’s Race and a longtime supporter of both our running community and the city as a whole. We sat down with Kara L. Tesch, Content Strategist and Copywriter at The First National Bank in Sioux Falls, to learn more about their commitment to the community, their excitement for race day, and, of course, their pick for the ultimate hype song.

Can you introduce yourself and your business and tell us what you do?
For 140 years, The First National Bank in Sioux Falls has helped build the city of Sioux Falls and the surrounding communities through innovative community banking. With an infectious culture, a commitment to our communities, and a foundation built on our FIRST Values, we pride ourselves on being more than just a bank.

What inspired your business to partner with 605 Running Company?
Through our commitment to well-being for our teammates, customers, and fellow community members, we recognized how prioritizing health and wellness can foster a more successful community. 605 Running Co. was right next door to our Downtown branch location at the time, so it was a natural partnership that formed.

What does supporting local events like this mean to your business?
As a local bank that has watched the Sioux Falls area grow and change for 140 years, we cherish the opportunity to support events that contribute to the future growth and success of our communities.

What’s one thing you wish more people knew about your company?
We were founded in 1885, so this year marks our 140th anniversary of serving the Sioux Falls community. We've remained family-owned and locally operated the entire time.

Will your team be participating on race day? If so, what are you most looking forward to?
Yes! We have a couple of teammates participating on race day. Tony Goettsch will be tackling the Shamrock Shuffle and is looking forward to a big crowd if the weather is nice, competing in all three races, and catching up with others in the running community. Kiran Cordes will be running the 1 Mile race and is excited to go all-out for the mile and then enjoy watching the parade.

Do you have a favorite St. Patrick's Day memory?
Our main office is on the parade route, so we definitely have a lot of great St. Patrick's Day memories from over the years. We always enjoy watching the painting of the shamrock in front of our building and the times when bagpipers would come visit our office—but a favorite memory was when our former President and CEO, Bill Baker, was named grand marshal in 2020.

If your business had to pick a “hype song” for race day, what would it be?
You can literally never go wrong with "Firework" by Katy Perry.

Anything else you’d like to share with the 605 Running Company community?
We wish the best of luck to all the runners!
​
A huge thank you to The First National Bank in Sioux Falls for their continued support as the presenting partner of the Lucky 7’s Race and for their dedication to the Sioux Falls running community. Be sure to cheer on their team members as they hit the course on race day!