22nd Season of GOTR-STL Kicks Off!

This week marks the beginning of the 22nd season of Girls on the Run St. Louis! Thank you for helping us to empower girls for a lifetime of healthy living for more than a decade!

More than 2,600 girls across the St. Louis region will be lacing up their running shoes as practices start this week for Girls on the Run and Girls on Track.  The girls are beginning their 10-week journey that incorporates training for a 5k as a means to teach essential life skills.  

Fall 2013 is the largest fall season in the history of GOTR-STL with more than 800 volunteer coaches delivering the program at 124 sites!  

Antonia Middle GOT WOW!

What is the history of Big River Running Co.? How did you grow this business in the community?

Big River Running Company was started by myself and long-time friend Ben Rosario. We grew up in St. Louis and as early as high school, recognized a need for a local running store that offered top-notch service and the best products while also supporting and growing the running community in St. Louis. Although neither of us had business backgrounds, we were passionate about running. Following the advice "Do what you love," we opened our first store in 2006 a few years after we both graduated from Truman State University. Big River Running now has three stores, 30+ employees, a growing number of first class signature events and a race management company that works with 150+ races each year. To grow our business we spent more time outside of the four walls of our store than we did inside. Building relationships and creating a true running community around the stores were and still are key contributors to our growth.

What is the community engagement philosophy of Big River Running Co. and how do you enact that with different partners?

As an independent locally owned business, we've always been passionate about our mission to engage with and give back to the community. Our philosophy has always been to support the sport of running and its participants in any way we can. We partner with events and organizations that reach runners and walkers on an intimate level. Helping a charity raise money by putting on a 5k, going to a high school cross country camp to talk to the kids about the importance of stretching, and addressing the needs of a group of novice runners training for their first half marathon are a few of the ways we engage the community. In addition, we put on events and activities like group runs multiple times a week to give people the opportunity to become part of a running community with the hope that they become and stay active. Our thought has always been that if we can help someone stay connected to the sport we'll all benefit in the long run.

What is your relationship to Girls on the Run St. Louis? When did you first get involved with Girls on the Run St. Louis?

I personally heard about the program shortly after I began dating my wife, Katie, in 2007. She had been involved with the program for a number of years as a coach, volunteer and board member so I was able to see the program from a number of different perspectives. I could tell how big of an impact the program had on her and what it meant to the girls involved. It was an easy decision to get involved. I believe my first involvement had to do with the 5k race planning committee.

Now, Big River Running plays a key role in implementing the GOTR-STL 5k twice a year. It's been amazing to see the race grow and flourish from a small race in Forest Park to the largest timed 5k in downtown St. Louis. Our partnership with Girls on the Run St. Louis has been fantastic. If the organization needs anything, our door is always open whether it's to provide a location for Coach Supply Box pick-up or CPR training, we are happy to help. On a more philanthropic level, Big River has taken part in Girls on the Run St. Louis' Adopt-a-School program. We've proudly adopted a team each season for the last two years. Knowing that we are helping to give girls the opportunity to participate in this program that otherwise might not be able to is really meaningful to us and the staff at Big River. In addition, Big River helps to provide hundreds of pairs of shoes to girls each season that may not be able to afford them. We know how important a good pair of running shoes can be and are happy to help level the playing field for GOTR-STL's participants.

Why did you decide to partner with Girls on the Run St. Louis through Big River Running Co.?

Helping to grow and support the next generation of female runners in St. Louis is an honor and a privilege in my eyes. Partnering with GOTR-STL is another way Big River can continue to support the local running community. GOTR-STL's mission falls directly in-line with Big River's mission to support the sport on every level starting with the youngest runners! It is so rewarding knowing that thousands of girls' lives have been impacted in a positive way through participation in Girls on the Run St. Louis and that Big River is playing a role in that.

Why would you recommend others partner with Girls on the Run St. Louis?  

Orders are due Sept. 20

Show your Girls on the Run spirit with GOTR-logoed merchandise! New colors this fall include white and gold hooded sweatshirts and a pink Soft Style tee. The white sweatshirts will feature our pink and green logo. GOTR car stickers are also available this season.              

To place your order, download and fill out the order form found on the shop page on our website. All forms should be dropped off or mailed to Big River Running West County (14047 Manchester Rd., St. Louis, MO 63011) no later than Sept. 20.