Running for More Than Miles: Our ALS Give Back Day

By: Greg Koch
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At 605 Running Company, our Give Back Days are about more than just raising funds. They’re about building connections, telling stories, and supporting the people who make our running community so strong. Our upcoming Give Back Day on Saturday, August 23rd is especially close to home — and it all started with a conversation.

The Spark of an Idea
One of my employees, Paul Westendorf, helps me time races and put on events. Earlier this year, Paul and I were strategizing about how we could provide more for the organizations we work with. He’d recently attended a local food and beverage fundraiser and had a simple, but powerful thought: if they can dedicate a percentage of sales to support a cause, why not us?

Like most things associated with Paul, it was a good idea (just like his attempt at the Lean Horse 100 — though that’s a story for another day). That idea became the foundation of our Give Back Day program — a way for us to support organizations in a meaningful, measurable, and sustainable way.

Miles with Meaning
As Paul was training for the Lean Horse 100, he spent countless miles running alongside Lance Smith, another local steward of the running community. Paul knew why he was training so hard — but he couldn’t figure out what was driving Lance to put in so many extra miles.

So he asked. And that’s where Aaron Teerink joins the story.

Aaron is a friend Lance met through running. Aaron is also living with ALS. Lance has been training not just for himself, but to raise awareness and support for Aaron and his family. You can read more about Aaron & Lance's story here on their fundraiser pages:

• Aaron’s fundraiser page
• Lance's fundraiser page

Why This Give Back Day Matters
​Our ALS Give Back Day on Saturday, August 23rd is about standing with Lance in his efforts at The Blood Run and, more importantly, about supporting Aaron as he navigates life with ALS.

Here’s how it works:

• Shop with us at either store location — Downtown or The Bridges.
• We’ll donate 10% of all sales that day directly to ALS.
• The more our community shops, the more we’re able to give.

It’s that simple. Your miles, your purchases, your presence — they all matter.

More Than Business
For us, this isn’t just another fundraiser. It’s a story about friendship, perseverance, and community. It’s about using running — and our business — as a way to bring people together for something bigger than ourselves.

On August 23rd, join us. Shop local. Give back. And help us honor Aaron, Lance, Paul, and everyone in our community who reminds us that every mile can mean something more.

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