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.
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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!
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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!