11 Years of 605 Running Company: A Year of Growth, Challenge, and Gratitude

What a year it’s been.

This Saturday, we celebrate 11 years of 605 Running Company — a milestone that’s as humbling as it is energizing. A year ago, I wrote a very personal post about the struggles of running a small business. The response was incredible. Our community rallied, and your support gave me the runway to keep moving forward with this business.

Today, I want to share a different kind of message — one rooted in optimism, accountability, and a deep belief in what comes next.

A Year of Change and Forward Motion
Since October 2024, I’ve had the privilege of leading this company as the sole owner. It’s been a wild ride — equal parts exhilarating and exhausting. But through it all, I’ve never lost faith in our purpose: to serve this community through personalized service, thoughtful products, and experiences that make movement more joyful.

In January, I also took on the role of Board Chair for DTSF (Downtown Sioux Falls), where I’ve worked to advocate not just for 605, but for everything that makes this city great. I've been a volunteer for the organization for the past six years. This year has given me perspective, and it’s fueled my commitment to building something lasting here. It has been a true test of leadership and time management. 

To date we have donated $10,756.60 dollars to area non-profits through our running events. In addition to to my volunteer time for DTSF and our dollars donated, our crew continues to volunteer each month at the St. Francis House, organized by our dedicated team member Paul Westendorf. Even with tight cash flows, busy lives, and turbulent economics we remain dedicated to giving back to our community.   

We’ve seen positive growth this year — a testament to the trust many of you have placed in us. From expanding our product mix to improving our staff training, we’re making real progress. And I’m proud of that.

Being Real About the Challenges
That said, we’re not without struggle.

But unlike last year, this isn’t a plea. It’s a reflection — and a commitment to keep improving. 

We've had enough customers through our doors to be successful. The challenge? Converting visits into consistent sales, that is our job. That takes trust, training, and amazing service — and as a manager, I’m working hard to help our team deliver on that, every single day.

We’ve also faced inventory constraints. With limited capital and a very tight cashflow situation, we’ve been conservative in what we stock — and that sometimes shows with fewer essentials available like sunglasses, nutrition, hydration solutions, and watches. Many of those items were hit almost immediately with the tariff situation. But we’re actively rebuilding, investing in footwear, and doubling down on quality and service.

What Hasn’t Changed? Our Belief in This Community.
We’ve always believed that 605 Running Company is more than a store. We’re a hub, a support system, and a place where people from all walks of life can find gear that fits their body, their goals, and their lifestyle — whether they run marathons or walk their dogs.

This year we’ve:

• Introduced new brands (including Nike)
• Hosted demo runs and educational events
• Expanded our online platform for easier shopping
• Invested in our team, our space, and our process

And we’ve done it all while remaining committed to fair wages, honest pricing, and never passing off fees on credit cards or having expectations for tips. We believe in delivering great service — because that’s the standard, not an upcharge.

Looking Ahead to the Next Chapter
Eleven years in business is a big deal — and it doesn’t happen by accident. It happens because of you: the people who walk through our doors, share our posts, bring their friends, and trust us to serve them well.

We’re ready for what’s next.

I’m building a strategic plan to ensure 605 isn’t just a short-term survivor — but a long-term staple of Sioux Falls.

We’re not perfect.

But we’re improving.

And we’re still here — thanks to you.

Celebrate With Us
This Saturday, come celebrate 11 years of 605 Running Company.

Let’s keep this movement going — one customer, one mile, one year at a time.

Thank you for walking (and running) this journey with us.

With sincere gratitude,

Greg Koch
Owner, 605 Running Company

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