 By: Greg Koch
This weekend, thousands of runners will lace up for one of the most iconic events in the world — the TCS New York City Marathon. The course winds through all five boroughs, showcasing not only the city’s energy and resilience but also the unique power of the running community. As someone who recently visited New York City for the first time with my family, I’ve been reflecting on just how special that community really is. A Family Adventure in the Big Apple My wife, Chelsea, and I had never been to New York before, and seeing the city through our six-year-old daughter’s eyes made the trip even more memorable. She’s been fascinated with the Statue of Liberty ever since learning about it at school, and every morning we play on the large map painted on her school’s playground, talking about the places we want to visit someday. New York has always been at the top of her list. We took full advantage of our CityPASS and explored as much as we could — from the Museum of Natural History and The Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum to the Empire State Building and Top of the Rock. And as a huge Ninja Turtles fan, my daughter was absolutely thrilled to “spot” those radical dudes all over the city. It was the kind of family trip we’ll be talking about for years. The Spirit of Running in NYC Even though we weren’t there for a race, I couldn’t help but be drawn to Central Park and the countless runners who filled it — morning, noon, and night. What stood out to me most wasn’t just the volume of runners, but their resilience. During our visit, a classic Nor’easter rolled through — wind, rain, and cool temperatures. Yet there they were: runners of all kinds, embracing the challenge, running anyway. There’s something about New York that amplifies the running spirit. The city never stops moving, and neither do its runners. That energy is contagious. Bringing That Energy Home Back here in Sioux Falls, we’re lucky to have our own incredible running playgrounds — from the River Greenway Recreation Trail that loops through the city to Good Earth State Park, Great Bear Ski Valley, and Tuthill Park. No matter the season, our community shows up. As we head into the colder months, I want to encourage everyone to take a page from New York’s playbook: keep showing up. The weather might turn rough, but with the right layers, a good attitude, and maybe a few friends by your side, running outside year-round here is absolutely possible. At 605 Running Company, we’re committed to supporting runners of all levels — especially through our group runs, which are open to everyone. Meeting up with others can make all the difference in staying consistent and keeping the joy alive, especially when motivation dips. As I get older, I’ve learned that anything that makes running easier — and more fun — is worth embracing. Inspiration from an Iconic Running City So this weekend, as the New York City Marathon unfolds, take some time to watch, cheer, and be inspired. Think about what a “running ecosystem” means to you — how runners, businesses, volunteers, and supporters create something bigger than any single run. I’m proud of the work we do here in Sioux Falls to grow and support that same spirit. Visiting one of the world’s great running cities gave me fresh appreciation for what’s possible when a community runs together — in any weather, at any pace, with open hearts.
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 Our 605 Run Collective series continues with a leader who brings curiosity, creativity, and a deep love for community — Heather Edmunds Reed.
About Heather Heather describes herself as a curious person, educator, community cultivator, reader, crafter, and runner. A Sioux Falls native, she spent a decade away before family — and the welcoming Sioux Falls lifestyle — drew her back home. She’s a proud mom to three kids — Owen (16), James (14), and Andrew (10) — and wife to Simon, who’s also a runner (bonus points for that!). Professionally, Heather teaches speech and debate at Washington High School, where her love of communication and mentorship shines every day. Expertise & Passion Heather has a gift for building and nurturing communities. Over the years, she’s helped women in their motherhood journey through Elegant Mommy, supported female runners through the Another Mother Runner online community, and most recently worked with international students at Augustana University. Serving communities of empowerment, especially runners, is something Heather considers both a privilege and a calling. She’s also a certified run coach through the RRCA Level 1 and UESCA programs — adding another layer of expertise to the 605 Run Collective. Why the 605 Run Collective? Heather joined the Collective because she knows firsthand how transformative community can be. “I’ve had some of my most impactful life experiences through community and running,” she says. “I wanted to be a bigger part of the 605 Running community through this opportunity.” Looking Ahead Heather is excited to help shape the future of 605 Running Company through creativity, inclusivity, and accessibility. She’s passionate about helping 605 stock products that truly meet the needs of the local community and sharing the store with new audiences across Sioux Falls. She also hopes to intentionally include more diverse communities, ensuring that everyone feels welcome to experience the empowerment and joy of movement. What Running Community Means to Heather For Heather, running means empowerment — and community is what makes that empowerment possible. “Running is hard (and life-changing),” she says. “Community makes the hard doable and fun.” Rapid Fire with Heather
✨ Stay tuned as we continue introducing more members of the 605 Run Collective — the people helping us dream, grow, and move Sioux Falls forward. |
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