On the Run with Pacers

For approximately 30 years, Pacers Running has been helping those in the communities its stores are in, get the right footwear and stay active. 

Starting with its first store in Alexandria, Va., over the years, the company has changed hands, opened more storefronts and expanded into races.

“We are a community based, specialty running store,” says co-owner Chris Farley. “We are an evangelist for runners and walkers, and really all fitness enthusiasts. Our mantra is ‘For every run.’ We are an accessible, inviting, inclusive business and anyone is welcome to come in and be a part of what we’re doing.”

Today, five Pacers Running retail stores are in the D.C. region, with stores in Clarendon (3100 Clarendon Blvd.); Alexandria (1301 King St.); the Navy Yard (300 Tingey St. SE); 14th Street (2104 14th St. NW); and Georgetown.

Pacers Running first opened in Georgetown at 3273 M St. NW in August of 2020 during the pandemic, because it had been searching for an opportunity in the neighborhood for a while.

“The lease ran its course and this August, we were able to move to a different location in Georgetown at 1079 Wisconsin Ave. NW, which we are really excited about,” Farley says. “We offer advice on injuries, where to run, who to run with—running groups are a big part of our stores, and we just look to build a community of those interested in fitness.” 

The new space is three levels, comprising 2,500 square feet, and the store is a haven for anyone interested in running. 

“We’re going to give you advice on footwear first and foremost, so you can come in and get fit for a pair of shoes, whether you are a beginning runner or experienced runner,” Farley says. “We’re able to help anyone who is trying to move and get active.” 

It starts simply with an associate looking at one’s feet with recommendations coming from the foot’s shape and gape, so a custom fit that works best can be found. The diagnosis also includes watching someone walk, stand, walk on a treadmill and addressing any supination or pronation with a footwear solution.

The associate will curate at least three different options from different brands that will work best.

“The No. 1 reason we see people not being able to complete a fitness regimen that they started, is because they get injured, and the No. 1 reason they do is because they have the wrong footwear,” Farley says. “Our goal is to recommend the correct footwear so people can get out there and not have to worry about their feet or injuries.”  

Running has defined Farley for most of his life. He ran in high school and at the University of Virginia, and ran marathons at a semi-competitive level.

“Running centers my day, my week, my life—I run a marathon a year,” he says, with his next one being the Philadelphia Marathon later this month. “I’ve run the Marine Corps a number of times, and I’m going after my 24th sub 3-hour marathon in a row. It’s something I am super passionate about.” 

His partner, Kathy Dalby, was a cross-country runner in high school who was a member of the track team at Michigan State, runs marathons, and has transitioned into someone who Farley describes as “a real fitness enthusiast.” 

The two teamed up after Farley took ownership of his first store in 2003 in Alexandria, and Dalby was working part-time in the store at the time. He convinced her to leave her job as a paralegal to come partner with him in 2005, serving as the majority partner in the event segment of the business. 

Both Farley and Dalby are firm believers that there isn’t anything more productive that someone can do to change their life than go for a run. 

“There are few things you can do work-wise that you really feel like you did something that has a direct impact on people,” Farley says. “We see that direct impact on our communities and customer base every single day.” 

Pacers Running: runpacers.com // @runpacers

Keith Loria

A theatre buff and huge music fan, Keith Loria is a D.C.-based award-winning journalist who has been writing about the arts for more than 20 years. He started his career with the Associated Press and has written for Soap Opera Digest, Playbill and Music Review. He looks forward to 2021 and the theaters reopening! He’s the proud father of two daughters, who often accompany him on his theater outings. Visit his website at keithloria.contently.com.