After qualifying twice for the Olympic marathon trials, native St. Louisan Ben Rosario has caught the attention of another group, the St. Louis Business Journal. Rosario was named to the publication’s 30 under 30 list, of the 30 best businessmen under the age of 30.

In the span of less than two years, Rosario and Matt Helbig have opened two stores under the banner of Big River Running Company. The first is near Queeny Park, making for easy access to runs of all lengths for the store’s burgeoning running and walking community. The pair opened the second store this spring in South St. Louis, taking advantage of a void in the running specialty store market and easy access to Francis Park.

Big River has energized the local running scene. They’ve become a haven for some of the top post-collegiate runners. In fact, they’re racing this weekend at the USATF Club Track and Field Championships in Olathe, Kan., this weekend. They’ve also raised the level of other runners  and clubs in the area. The local races seem more spirited and more competitive these days.

Helbig and Rosario have a quirky sense of humor, as evidenced by the winter fashion show they produced in the story last year and put on the store’s web site.  My favorite touch at the South City store: a plate of dog biscuits on the counter. Little things like that make runners and walkers of all ability levels feel welcome.

I wish I could link to the story, but it requires an online subscription. Here’s a teaser, though.