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Partner Spotlight

Partner Spotlight: Pacers Running

Partner Spotlight: Pacers Running

By: Christine Bean We recently caught up with Chris Farley, owner of Pacers Running, to chat about their long-standing partnership with MightyMeals, and how they continue to be the premier neighborhood running retailer in the DMV. Q: How long has Pacers been in business? Chris: Pacers Running is a family-owned company that has been open since 1991. I started working as a sales associate in 1999 in the Alexandria store, which was the only existing store at the time.  I somehow convinced my parents to mortgage their house, and we bought that store in 2003. Sixteen years later, we are in a great rhythm with five Pacers storefronts throughout DC and Northern Virginia. Q: What makes Pacers unique? Chris: Pacers is a specialty retail fitness store managed by a community of runners aiming to be a resource to the fitness community in a variety of ways. Footwear and apparel drive most of our business, but if you want to know where to go for a run, how to get over an injury, what the best running groups are in the area, we are able to help with those things, too. We are proud to be a fitness community gathering point; we put on road races, neighborhood runs, and workouts at each of our stores. Q: What connected Pacers to MightyMeals? Chris: Pacers was actually the very first MightyMeals pick-up location back in 2015. When Dan Graziano (MightyMeals’ Co-Founder) and I met, and he told me about MightyMeals’ mission, I immediately felt a strong connection to the brand. We are very like-minded business owners; they have this amazing entrepreneurial spirit and passion towards helping people live healthier lifestyles. I loved their idea of convenience for the busy fitness consumer. It really resonated with me, and I knew we’d be a great match. We started-out having one MightyMeals pick-up refrigerator in our Alexandria store, and we now them in all five Pacers locations. Q: How does MightyMeals benefit Pacers patrons? Chris: It is definitely a mutually beneficial partnership. They’re catering towards that individual who is busy, health-conscious, fitness-oriented and who doesn’t not have a lot of time to cook their meals or time to waste driving to pick-up their meals. Pacers is walking-distance for many people in the neighborhood, so it works out well. We are able to offer our customers a unique service of grabbing healthy food when they’re on the-go,-and this gives them more time to go for a run or spend time with their family. If it benefits our customers, it benefits us. Q: What is your go-to MightyMeals dish? Chris: My top meal has always been the Tomato & Pesto Penne with Turkey Meatballs; I mean you gotta do the carbo loading for the next day’s run, right? But recently, I’ve gone with the All-American Breakfast: bacon, sausage, home-fries, eggs… what’s not to love?  I am a big fan of breakfast for dinner! Connect with Pacers on Facebook & Instagram for the latest on running trends and events around the DMV, and tune-in to Pacers’ podcast for the inside scoop on all things DC running! About Chris Farley: Chris Farley is the owner and President of Pacers Running // Chief Running Enthusiast. A lifelong runner, Chris has been in the running specialty industry since 1999 and is considered an industry leader and subject matter expert in running retail. Chris was lauded as a “40 under 40” for the Sporting Goods industry by SportsOneSource in 2011. Currently, Chris oversees Pacers Running’s retail operations.  Chris also hosts “Pace The Nation” a weekly podcast that has been voted a top 5 Running Podcast by Feedspot. Chris is a graduate of the University of Virginia where he ran for the University’s Cross Country and Track teams. A lifelong resident of Arlington County in Virginia, Chris, along with his wife Julie have 2 young sons, James and Paul.

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Why MightyMeals?

  1. What makes MightyMeals different from other meal delivery services?

    MightyMeals delivers chef-prepared, dietitian-approved meals that are fresh, never frozen, and tailored to a variety of dietary preferences. From high-protein options to plant-forward meals, every dish is designed to simplify meal prep while keeping nutrition and flavor top of mind. Our menu includes breakfasts, lunches, dinners, snacks, and desserts, so there’s something delicious for every part of your day.

  2. Where does MightyMeals deliver?

    MightyMeals now delivers to 27 states across the U.S., bringing fresh, chef-prepared meals straight to your door so you can enjoy convenience and nutrition no matter where you live.

  3. How does MightyMeals support meal prep and convenience?

    With ready-to-eat, fully cooked meals delivered straight to your door, MightyMeals eliminates the need for grocery shopping, cooking, or cleanup. You can stock up for the week, mix and match meals, and enjoy balanced nutrition with minimal effort.

  4. Are MightyMeals options suitable for specific fitness or macro goals?

    Absolutely. MightyMeals provides detailed nutritional information for all meals, making it easy to plan for high-protein, low-carb, vegetarian, or other macro-based meal goals. Our menus are designed to help you stay on track without sacrificing taste.

  5. How does MightyMeals compare to competitors like Vegetable + Butcher, Factor, and CookUnity?

    Unlike some competitors, MightyMeals delivers fresh, never-frozen meals with no forced subscriptions, though an optional Order Planner is available for convenience. We combine flexible ordering, bulk and a la carte options, and chef-prepared, dietitian-backed meals to support diverse dietary needs, fitness goals, and meal-prep convenience.