 
Running for Number One
Local marathoner Chris Farley splits his time between his family-owned business and enjoying his favorite pastime, running. Although he has time for little else, the thirty-one year old entrepreneur doesn’t seem to mind.
By Monica Cardenas
The Farley family purchased Pacers in Alexandria in 2003 from long-time owner Steve Fryxell. They opened the Arlington-based Pacers in 2005, and although Chris serves as general manager, his entire family is involved in running the stores. His brother Brian manages the Arlington store, while his sister Denise is the manager in Alexandria. Chris Senior covers bookkeeping duties, while Adrian, the matriarch, handles various responsibilities.
Born and raised in Arlington, Chris left for only a short time to attend the University of Virginia, where he majored in Psychology and ran varsity cross-country and track.
“I’ve always been a runner,” said Chris. “I ran in elementary and middle school and at Yorktown High School here in Arlington.”
Although he touts himself as a “fairly competitive” runner,
with a personal best of 2:31:45, it is clear running is
something Chris takes very seriously. In fact, he placed 6th in 2002 and 9th in 2004 in the Marine Corps Marathon, with times of 2:33:01 and 2:33:47 respectively.
Tying his favorite activity to a business is something of a dream come true for Chris.
“I wanted to be an ambassador for a healthy lifestyle,” said Chris. “I like being able to involve myself in a business that promotes that, and luckily, we are in a position to do a lot of events that are running-related in an effort to build community and camaraderie among
Pacers
3100 Clarendon Blvd.
(703) 248-6883
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runners in the area.”
With two fantastic locations in Old Town and Clarendon, Pacers gives back to the community as often as possible. Through several fundraisers, the store has given more than $300,000 to charitable organizations, including the American Red Cross and the 9-11 Families Fund. Recently, Pacers raised more than $100,000 for the Alexandria Boys & Girls Club.
The upcoming Battle of the Boulevard is another fundraiser Pacers is behind, which will raise money for the National Kidney Foundation, Arlington Police Charitable Fund and the Joy of Sports Foundation.
Although he logs sixty hours per week at the store, he loves every minute.
“I enjoy being my own boss,” said Chris. “I’ve got a great support system in my family, and work is fun. I’m lucky I enjoy it so much because it never feels like work.”
However, Chris always finds time for a run.
“I like to be able to keep that up,” he said. “If I’m going to try to be an influential person in this industry, I think I have to practice what I preach.”
When he does find a few minutes to spare, he enjoys spending time with family and friends. However, passing his knowledge and passion on to the community is of utmost importance.
 “I wanted to be able to get involved and also give back to the community,” said Chris. “That’s the reason I got into it. It’s important to me to promote a healthy lifestyle to as many people as possible.”
He is able to do that through various activities, including Fun Runs. Fun Runs are three to five miles and free to the community on Tuesday and Thursday at 7pm. Pacers also offers coaching and training for both beginners and experienced runners in the Miles Ahead program.
Whether you’re looking for new running buddies, a little guidance in training, or a new pair of shoes, Pacers on Clarendon Boulevard is sure to have what you need.
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