Training for a 5k Through a Pandemic

Big River has been offering a 5k training program for beginners – START 5k – for six years now and this spring was the first time we offered the program for free! We had more than 200 people signed up to participate and were off to a great “start” in early March. After just a few group training runs, the …

Train for a 5k for FREE

Starting to run or re-starting to run can be intimidating and difficult to do on your own. Now is the time to get started with the support of a group and coaches. No more excuses! If you have you always wanted to “be a runner” or find a love for running, we’ve got the perfect program for you. Big River START 5k …

Inside Big River Nation: Meet Jen

Big River Nation is made up of incredible individuals many of whom are dedicated to living a healthy and active lifestyle. This month, meet Jen K., one of our amazing volunteer pace coaches for Training Team, Big River’s free half and full marathon training program. Jen (on right of image above ) leads the 12:30 per mile run/walk pace group. …

Thank you for changing my life!

Sometimes a customer’s story is too good to keep to yourself. Enjoy! “I just wanted to drop you a note to say thank you for changing my life. I know, that sounds totally dramatic, but let me explain. I have always been somewhat athletic, but once I had kids, I always put them first and felt like I had to …

Meet the Staff: Dan

South City staffer, Dan was first introduced to Big River in 2007 while attending Winter Distance Camp as a part of Kirkwood High School’s running cross country and track training. Throughout college, he quickly discovered a love for trail running and officially joined the Big River staff in July of 2016. Dan loves that Big River not only provides a …

Customer Stories: Love on the Run

We love our customers! We have always been passionate about being more than a “place to buy shoes.” It is a privilege to help, connect and develop relationships with people in St. Louis through our stores and community programs. A recent example highlights just how awesome it is for us when Big River becomes a part of people’s lives! Amanda …

I am a Runner: Katie W.

One of the best things about working with customers at Big River Running, is getting to hear the stories they tell. What made them decide to become runners, what keeps them engaged in running even when it is difficult, and their biggest achievements and even sometimes their struggles and hardships. The “I am a Runner” blog series is designed to …

I became a runner by accident …

By Meghan Mueller, Member of Big River Nation I became a runner by accident. I was never an athlete growing up and the idea of running a mile sounded pretty terrible. But after finishing graduate school, I knew I had developed some unhealthy eating habits and was not in great shape. So I started exercising more and sometimes when I …

Meet the runner: Michael Duchek

In spite of running sprint distances in high school (nothing over 400 meters) and a handful of road races here and there post-school, St. Louis native Michael Duchek never really felt like a runner until 2011 when he trained for and ran his first half marathon. Since accomplishing that bucket list item, Duchek has continued to train and compete, joining the …

Meet the Runner: Lizzy Handschy

Lizzy finished second at the GO! St. Louis Marathon with a time of 2:57:04, which was her debut at the marathon distance! In Lizzy’s words … How did you get started running? I have known since I was in elementary school that I wanted to run marathons. When I was a freshman in high school I decided to train for …