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At Front Runner Athletics, we bring together the best of community, family, and expertise. Since opening our doors in 1982, we've been a trusted part of Chattanooga's running and wellness community. Our mission has always been simple: to provide an exceptional shoe-fitting experience tailored to every individual.
Whether you're training for a race, searching for all-day comfort, or looking for relief from foot pain, our experienced team is here to help you move forward with confidence and comfort. It's no surprise we've become Chattanooga's most doctor-referred shoe store.
From our family to yours, we invite you to visit Front Runner and discover the difference the right fit can make.
"Its official. I have now owned the Front Runner longer than Louis Priddy. He founded and started the store in 1982 and retired in 2001 when he sold it to Denise and me. I am now in my 25th year of ownership. I hope he would be proud of how we have stuck to the knitting of what Front Runner meant - a locally owned store that helps people live a healthy lifestyle and makes Chattanooga a better place to live.
It is a delight to serve another generation as the kids that I first fit are now bringing in their children. I have also been so lucky to have scores of great people who have worked for us over the years. And the energy and enthusiasm at Front Runner continues to grow. I can say with 100% confidence that the future of Front Runner is in great hands. Thanks to all who have made these 25 years an incredible journey." - Chad
Denise Varga is an owner of Front Runner and has been involved in the business since its early days, originally as the main apparel buyer role she still holds. While she's not involved in daily operations, she plays a key support role behind the scenes. Owning Front Runner has been a rewarding experience, giving her both a sense of satisfaction and, of course, the perk of free shoes! Outside of the store, Denise works as a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA).
Fitness has always been a priority for Denise, starting with weightlifting and evolving into a balanced routine of running and strength training. She currently runs a couple of days a week and follows a structured weightlifting plan at the gym. She encourages anyone looking for the right shoes to get properly fitted at a run specialty store to improve comfort and performance. In her free time, she enjoys gardening, refinishing furniture as a creative outlet, and spending time with her family.
Andrew has been a key member of the Front Runner team since 2010, bringing years of dedication and expertise to his role as Store Manager. What he enjoys most about his job is helping people find relief from pain and discomfort through the right footwear. Whether it's a customer with chronic injuries or someone simply looking for added comfort, Andrew finds it deeply rewarding to witness those "Ah Ha" moments when a customer finally feels true support and ease. His passion for finding the perfect fit has made him a trusted figure for customers looking to enhance their comfort and well-being.
An avid runner himself, Andrews journey began in high school when he joined track and quickly discovered a love for cross-country running. He appreciates running as a lifelong activity, enjoyed individually or with a team, and continues to stay active through running and strength training. Outside of work, Andrew and his wife love to explore national parks, and he channels his passion for running into coaching athletes of all levels. For anyone considering their first professional shoe fitting, Andrews advice is simple: don't wait. Proper footwear, he says, can transform the way you feel both in motion and at restand is crucial for managing pain, enhancing enjoyment, and preventing injury.
Monica joined the Front Runner staff in August 2024, but she's been part of the race team since its very beginning. Now serving as Assistant Manager, she loves the collaborative spirit of the store and everyone pitches in to help each customer find their perfect fit. Whether working with serious runners or everyday walkers, Monica values the shared commitment to helping people feel better on their feet.
While she doesn't race as often as shed like, Monica stays motivated by always setting new goals and pushing herself toward them. Her advice to anyone coming in for a shoe fitting? Keep an open mind the best shoe for your foot might not be the trendiest one, but getting the right fit is what really matters. Outside of work, Monica ushers at the Memorial Auditorium, loves doing puzzles, and finds every opportunity to enjoy the outdoors and all the beauty our Scenic City has to offer.
Wendy has been a valued fitting specialist at Front Runner since 2016, focusing on supporting local swim teams with all their gear needs. With a particular expertise in swimwear, Wendy collaborates with the Chattanooga Area Swim League each summer to ensure every swimmer finds the right fit. She extends her expertise to middle and high school teams during the fall and winter, striving to make essential swim gear accessible and convenient for local athletes. Her dedication helps establish Front Runner as a go-to resource for the community, making sure swimmers are well-prepared to perform their best.
Wendy's favorite part of her role is the connection she builds with customers, getting to know their stories and finding ways to make a positive impact on their lives. She also values Front Runner's community involvement, especially when kids from Bethel stop by each fall before cross-country season. For anyone new to getting professionally fitted for shoes, Wendy's advice is clear: don't hesitate. The right shoe, she believes, can make a world of difference in comfort and performance. Outside of her work at Front Runner, Wendy dedicates her time to her non-profit, Emily's Power for a Cure, which supports local families with children fighting cancer. She also enjoys staying active through running and walking, and cherishes time with friends and family.
Tim joined Front Runner as a fitting specialist in 2024 after retiring, bringing with him a long-standing connection to the store, having purchased his running shoes from Front Runner since it first opened in 1982. What Tim enjoys most about his role is meeting the diverse range of customers who visit the store - runners, professionals seeking comfortable footwear for work, and people looking for support for foot issues. He also values the camaraderie he shares with his coworkers, finding that the supportive and friendly team atmosphere adds to his enjoyment of the job.
With nearly 50 years of running and racing experience, Tim continues to participate in annual local races like the Wauhatchie, Scenic City Scorcher, Turkey Trot, and he looks forward each year to the USATF Cross Country Club Championships. This year, he's excited to compete in Tacoma, WA, as part of the Chattanooga Track Clubs 60s team. Tim stays motivated by the love of running and the excitement of team events. His advice to those considering their first shoe fitting is to make sure they get measured, as foot shape and size can change with age, and trying shoes on in person is essential. When he's not at Front Runner, Tim enjoys keeping active by playing tennis where he's thrilled with his new Mizuno court shoes as well as staying fit through running and the occasional pickleball match.
Rachel has been a dedicated fitting specialist with Front Runner since 2017, working part-time while balancing her professional and personal commitments. She takes pride in helping customers find the perfect shoe, enjoying both the challenge and the shared passion for fitness that she finds within the Front Runner community. For Rachel, her colleagues and customers feel like family, and she loves connecting with people who share her enthusiasm for active living and well-being.
An accomplished runner, Rachel has achieved impressive personal records, including qualifying for college nationals in the 10k with a time of 37:22 and achieving a marathon PR of 3:21 at the 2019 Peak to Creek Marathon. This time qualified her for the Boston Marathon in 2022, a race she ran just five months after welcoming her third child. Running keeps Rachel grounded and healthy, motivated by her husbands support and her desire to set a positive example for her daughters, showing them that an active lifestyle is invaluable. Her advice for those considering their first shoe fitting? Focus on comfort over color. When she's not at Front Runner, Rachel works at Memorial Cardiac Rehab and stays busy caring for her three daughters, shuttling them to their various activities and making the most of family time.
Bill has been a part-time fitting specialist at Front Runner since August 2019, bringing a passion for customer care and a love for the team environment. He enjoys the variety his role brings, with each day offering new experiences and interactions. For Bill, the camaraderie among the employees is a highlight, making work both fulfilling and enjoyable as he supports customers in finding the right footwear.
To stay active, Bill and his wife prioritize walking together as often as possible, and he hits the golf course once a week to unwind. His advice for first-time shoe buyers is to rely on an experts guidance to ensure they find the best fit, as knowledgeable assistance can make all the difference. Bill enjoys balancing his time at Front Runner with the joy of raising his two grandchildren.
