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By: Greg Koch
I love a group run. I’ve been leading them for more than 11 years here in Sioux Falls, and some of my closest friendships and favorite memories trace back to those shared miles. Countless runs to Falls Park and back from our shop have shaped not just my personal journey, but the principles that guide our business today. That isn’t lip service — it’s reality. Running, and especially running together, has deepened my understanding of what truly makes our store special. Over the years, I've also enjoyed watching runners gather all across Sioux Falls. Small packs meeting at trailheads, sidewalks, coffee shops, and parking lots. That’s a beautiful thing — people finding movement, rhythm, and connection on their own terms. At the same time, something broader has been happening. We’re increasingly operating in silos. It’s harder than it used to be to bring groups together in shared spaces, even when connection is something we all want more of. With Christmas here, I’ve been thinking a lot about the moments that make the season so special to me:
These moments remind us that being together matters — that shared experiences shape us in ways nothing else can. When a group run goes right, it captures that same spirit — and it does it year-round. A great group run isn’t about pace or distance. It isn’t about having the “perfect” workout. It’s about showing up. It’s about choosing to be part of something shared, even when it feels easier to stay comfortable and do your own thing. Most people who hesitate to join a group run are worried about the same things:
What’s rarely realized is how many others are feeling the exact same way. Running is simply the vessel. It’s the thing that brings us together, lowers barriers, and reminds us of the best parts of the human experience. When people with different backgrounds, abilities, goals, and stories move side by side — even for 30 minutes — something shifts.
That’s the magic. And it doesn’t happen without people choosing to show up. Every time someone joins a group run, they help make the space more welcoming for the next person who’s nervous, unsure, or standing on the fence. They help turn an individual activity into a shared experience. They help bring our four pillars — movement, coaching, events, and community — to life in a very real way. Group runs aren’t about having your best run of the week. They’re about being part of something bigger than yourself. Runners never regret going on a run once it’s over. And more often than not, the runs we remember most aren’t the fast ones — they’re the ones we shared. At 605 Running Company, we believe running is at its best when it brings people together. We’re grateful for every person who chooses to show up, run alongside others, and help build the kind of community that reminds us why we started doing this in the first place.
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 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)
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:
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 >>>>  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.  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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