Meet the 605 Run Collective: Sheila Stanley

​Our series introducing the members of the 605 Run Collective continues with someone whose story embodies resilience, joy, and a lifelong love of running: Sheila Stanley.

About Sheila
Sheila has been running joyfully for more than 30 years — maybe even closer to 40. Over the decades, she has completed more than 100 half marathons, four full marathons, countless 10Ks and 5Ks, relay races, and even a Ragnar. She’s proud to say she has finished every race she has started (and picked up a few age group wins along the way).

In her 40s, Sheila set out on a bold challenge: running a half marathon in every state before turning 50 — her “50 by 50” project. At 42, that journey was interrupted by a breast cancer diagnosis. After surgery, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and radiation, she returned to running — slowly, but gloriously. While she never fully regained her pre-diagnosis speed, she rediscovered something even more important: the joy of running.

Today, she is about seven states and 18 months away from completing her 50-state goal by 60.

One of Sheila’s most meaningful races came shortly after her treatments. While visiting Runner’s Roost in Colorado, she entered a drawing for the Nike Women’s Marathon in San Francisco. She had a strong sense that if she won the entry, she would survive her illness. She did win — and ran the race with little hair, little training, but a lot of heart.
For Sheila, running is truly a gift — one she wants to share with as many people as possible.

Expertise & Passion
Sheila brings deep community knowledge and personal insight to the 605 Run Collective. In Denver, she was a member of Revolution Running, a training club that sealed her love of group running. Since moving to Sioux Falls 10 years ago, she has found “her people” through 605 Running Company, Sioux Falls Women Run, and the Sioux Falls Area Run Club.

Professionally, Sheila spent many years working in health and safety before recently retiring. Now, she invests her energy back into the community — volunteering with LSS, Girls on the Run, and other organizations. She also stays active at Orangetheory, continues learning Spanish, and has even recruited her husband (and sometimes Daisy the dog) to join her on runs.

Why the 605 Run Collective?
For Sheila, the answer is simple: 605 Running Company matters. Beyond being a small business, the store has given her an incredible community — whether at group runs, races, packet pickups, or volunteer opportunities. Joining the Collective was a natural way for her to give back.

Looking Ahead
Sheila hopes to be an ambassador for new runners, back-of-the-pack runners, and those returning to the sport. She wants people to know they don’t have to be fast or perfect to belong — they just need to lace up, move forward, and enjoy the journey. With her decades of experience, her welcoming spirit, and her willingness to serve, Sheila brings an important perspective to the future of 605 Running Company.

What Running Community Means to Sheila
Sheila believes the running community is about more than miles — it’s about support, encouragement, and belonging. Whether you’re at the front or the back of the pack, there’s always someone cheering for you. It’s also a place where runners bring out their best for each other.

Rapid Fire with Sheila

• Favorite shoe: Hoka Skyward X
• Go-to playlist: Spanish-language music on Spotify (Calle 13, Los Ramones, and more)
• Best place to run in Sioux Falls: The bike path, and Big Sioux Rec Area
• Runner type: Both morning and night
• One word to describe 605 Running Company: Community
• 605 Running Company matters because… “It is a small locally-owned business that strives to bring the best running-related products and races to our community, and forms strong bonds between the runner, the store, the community, and the world.”

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

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