Store History

Serving Chattanooga for over 25 years!

Front Runner has been serving the Chattanooga area since 1982. We're proud to call the "Scenic City" our home and give back to the community that supports us and our initiatives to grow the local running community.

The Original. Founded in 1982.

Front Runner Athletics was founded in 1982 by Louis Priddy, an avid runner and committed community servant. The original name of the store was Running Factory II and it was located on Highway 153 in Chattanooga. At the time, the store focused primarily on running shoes and soccer supplies.

Front Runner Athletics

In time, as the business reputation began to grow in the Chattanooga area and the inventory began to expand. Mr. Priddy added additional sports, apparel, and accessories and changed the name of the store to Front Runner Athletics.

New Hixson Pike Location

In 1997, Mr. Priddy built a new 4,000 sq. ft. store on Hixson Pike. The building is still the home of Front Runner Athletics Today.

New Ownership. Same Dedication.

In 2001, Mr. Priddy sold the store to well known runner, Chad Varga. Chad and his wife Denise are still proud to serve as owners of Front Runner Athletics today. The focus hasn’t changed either; product knowledge and service are paramount.