By: Greg Koch

Next week, Derrick Ettel (VP of Operations) and I will be traveling to San Antonio, Texas to attend The Running Event (TRE)—one of the largest and most influential gatherings in the run specialty industry. TRE brings together running stores, brand partners, innovators, and educators from across the country for several days of learning, networking, and industry-shaping conversation.

Learn more about the event here: https://www.therunningevent.com/

This trip is a critical opportunity for us to explore new ideas, strengthen our partnerships, and bring back valuable knowledge that will benefit our customers and our team. For the third year in a row, 605 Running Company will also be honored as one of the Best Running Stores in the country—a recognition we do not take lightly, and one that is only possible because of the amazing community that supports us.

On a personal note, I’m especially excited that Derrick will be joining me this year. For the past two years I’ve attended TRE solo, and being able to share this experience with someone who is such a key leader in our company means a great deal to me. This trip reflects the incredible trust and value he brings to our organization.

Store Operations During TRE WeekBecause both Derrick and I will be away, our operations will look a little different the week of December 1–5, 2025.

📍 Downtown Store (11am–4pm)

• Open Monday, Wednesday, and Friday
• Staffed by Ben Devlin, who is adjusting his full-time schedule at the Old Courthouse Museum to keep things running for us.
  This is a huge help, and we’re incredibly grateful for his commitment to 605 Running Company.
  
  

📍 The Bridges Location

• Closed December 1–5, 2025
  
  

📦 Online Store & Order Fulfillment

• Ben will also be fulfilling online orders daily:
  shop.run605.com
  
  

As a small team, balancing this important industry opportunity while continuing to serve our community is always a challenge. Daily retail sales keep our business moving, and we are fortunate to have a loyal teammate like Ben who is willing to step up to make this possible.

TRE Week Local Business Challenge + Daily GiveawayWhile we’re away, we’re shining a spotlight on some of our favorite local small businesses—and giving you the chance to win!

Each day, we’ll raffle off a $25 digital 605 Running Company gift certificate. To enter:

1. Visit the featured business of the day
2. Make a purchase
3. Take a photo and tag:
   • @run605
   • The partner business
   • Use the hashtag #run605

Daily Partner Lineup
​
Monday: Breadsmith
https://www.breadsmith.com/sioux-falls/

Tuesday: The Spice & Tea Exchange
https://www.spiceandtea.com/a/store-locator/Sioux-Falls.html

Wednesday: The Breaks Coffee Roasting Co.
https://www.thebreakscoffeeroasting.com/

Thursday: Fernson Downtown
https://www.fernson.com/downtown

Friday: The Cookie Jar Eatery
https://www.cookiejarsd.com/

Let’s take this opportunity to support local shops, enjoy some great products, and maybe win a little 605 store credit while you’re at it!

Online Savings Coming SoonWe’ll also be launching special online promotions during TRE week—these will be announced right after the holiday weekend.

By: Greg Koch

Running a small business will show you things you never expect — water main breaks, global pandemics, and even the night I was woken up at 2 a.m. because a drunk driver crashed through the front of our building. I’ve weathered a lot with 605 Running Company. But moving from a strong ownership group to becoming the sole entrepreneur behind this store brought a level of responsibility unlike anything I’d experienced before. It pushed me to grow in ways only full ownership can.

Honesty can be uncomfortable. Not everyone wants to hear it, and some don’t believe it when they do. But transparency matters — especially during a time of year when small businesses rely heavily on community support.

The Work You Don’t See
Small-business ownership involves countless decisions most people never see. Behind every product on our shelves is a calculation about cash flow, vendor terms, and inventory risk. When we run out of a nutrition flavor, a sock style, or a shoe colorway, it’s almost never a lack of effort — and never a lack of care. Often, it’s simply cash flow. Small businesses don’t have the automatic replenishment systems big-box stores do.

There are incredible niche brands in the running world — emerging shoe brands, nutrition companies, headlights, hydration gear, unique apparel. I’d love to carry them all. But responsible buying means focusing on turn rates, margins, product demand, and the realities of cost. We choose carefully so we can offer what runners truly need while keeping the business healthy.

These decisions aren’t personal. They’re thoughtful and data-driven.

The Good That Happens Here
Even with the challenges, there is so much good happening at 605 Running Company.

In the past year, we’ve contributed over $30,000 in donations and over 200 volunteer hours to organizations across the region. These acts of service weren’t made during easy times — they were made because giving back is who we are. From small-town races to youth programs to community events across the 605, we’ve continued to show up.

Why Small Business Saturday Matters
As we approach Small Business Saturday, I want to share one simple truth:

Small businesses don’t survive on one big weekend --
they survive because people choose local consistently.

Every visit matters.
Every purchase matters.
Every conversation matters.

Your support keeps this store alive, creates jobs, and fuels a running community I’m incredibly proud of.

Thank you for supporting local.
Thank you for supporting this store.
And thank you for choosing 605 Running Company as part of your running journey.

Small Business Saturday is a reminder that your choices shape your community — and I’m grateful for every single one of them.
​

If you’d like to read my longer personal reflection on leadership and small-business ownership, you can find the full article on my LinkedIn. Click here more >>>>