Building the Future Together: Meet the 605 Run Collective

By: Greg Koch

Back in March I wrote a blog post introducing the 605 Run Collective, I shared a vision for the 605 Run Collective — a new group created to help shape the future of 605 Running Company. Since then, I've been hard at work gathering applications, conducting interviews, and bringing this group together for the first time.


The Collective is still a work in progress, but it represents the future of our store and our community. These are the people helping us reimagine what 605 Running Company can be. I deeply value the support this group provides. It hasn’t been an easy journey, but I’m committed to living out loud with my business. If 605 belongs in Sioux Falls, it will be because of a community effort.


Now, we’d like you to meet the people behind the Collective. Over the coming weeks, we’ll highlight each member, giving you a chance to learn more about who they are, what drives them, and how they hope to make an impact.
We’re starting with Alex Pool.

Meet Alex Pool

About AlexAlex is a Sioux Falls native who has lived here most of his life. By day, he’s the IT Innovation and Systems Director at Active Generations, and he also works part-time at the Helpline Center. Outside of work, you’ll most likely find him running.
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For Alex, running isn’t just about fitness — it’s about balance. He says running gives him consistency, keeps him grounded, and helps both his physical and mental health. Training for races allows him to regularly challenge himself and “do hard things” in pursuit of becoming his best self.

Expertise & PassionWith a professional background in nonprofit IT, Alex specializes in building custom software solutions and data analytics using limited resources. He’s passionate about efficiency and problem-solving, always asking: “How can I make this person’s job easier and make them more effective?”

Why the 605 Run Collective?Alex’s love for 605 Running Company runs deep. The store, the races, and the community have given him so much over the years that when the opportunity came to give back, he knew he had to say “yes.”

Looking AheadWhen it comes to the future of 605 Running Company, Alex has a few ideas. He’d love to see the store expand its outreach to walkers, people who work on their feet all day, and the elderly — groups that benefit from supportive footwear just as much as runners do. He’s also eager to see the group run experience refreshed to welcome even more people into the community.

What Running Community Means to AlexFor Alex, the running community transforms an individual sport into something deeply social. Since his very first group run at 605 Running Company, he’s gained countless friends and invaluable advice from experienced runners. That encouragement keeps him signing up for races and striving to improve.

Rapid Fire with Alex

• Favorite shoes: Hoka Arahi (daily trainer) & ASICS Metaspeed Sky (race day)
• Best place to run in Sioux Falls: The Bike Trail — especially from Yankton Trail Park to The Falls, and Family Park to Dunham Park
• Runner type: Afternoon/Evening
• One word to describe 605 Running Company: Fun!
• 605 Running Company matters because… “It is an all-inclusive community that encourages movement and challenges individuals to be their best.”

✨ Stay tuned as we continue this series and introduce more inspiring members of the 605 Run Collective!

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