Jeff Galloway Passes Away at 80
Jeff Galloway, a member of the 1972 U.S. Olympic team, passed away on Wednesday at the age of 80. He was known for inspiring both elite athletes and everyday runners alike through his promotion of the run-walk-run technique, applicable for everything from marathons to casual jogs around the neighborhood.
His daughter-in-law, Carissa Galloway, reported that he succumbed to a hemorrhagic stroke at a hospital in Pensacola, Florida.
Even in his final days, Galloway’s impact was clear. Numerous individuals shared videos online expressing their support during his recovery from recent brain surgery, while also thanking him for the guidance that helped them find their confidence to race.
On February 20, Galloway’s family revealed the surgery and encouraged public support during that challenging time.
Jim Vance, an endurance sports consultant from San Diego, labeled Galloway a “pioneer” in encouraging more people to take up running.
“He broke down the psychological barriers,” Vance told The Associated Press. “Running should feel gentle and enjoyable, allowing people to join without trepidation.”
Having battled heart failure in 2021, Galloway still aimed to complete another marathon, a testament to his extensive history of over 230 marathons throughout his life.
“Now that I’m past 80, I want to demonstrate that people can accomplish things safely that they might typically think are out of reach,” he shared with a newspaper in December.
Galloway’s run-walk-run method was born in 1974, two years post his Olympic 10,000 meters competition, when he took the opportunity to lead a running class at Florida State University.
Initially, he hoped to attract customers to a new running store called Phidipides.
He recounted on his website, “None of us had run in at least five years, so we started with brief walking sessions mixed with short jogs.” Galloway noted how they adjusted the walking breaks so everyone finished their 5k or 10k with a sense of accomplishment.
Believing that the combination of walking and running could lessen injury risk, save energy, and build confidence, Galloway maintained he had continuously refined his run-to-walk ratio.
In fact, he even employed his method during the 1980 Houston Marathon, completing the race in 2 hours, 16 minutes, 35 seconds—despite walking through every water station, outpacing his previous solely-run marathon time.
He shared his insights through books, websites, and various retreats, serving as the official training consultant for RunDisney events held at Disney resorts.
After his surgery, many fans expressed their gratitude online. One woman from Jacksonville, Florida, reflected, “I never imagined I’d be a runner. I ran my first half marathon at 70 after discovering Galloway on my 60th birthday. Thank you!”
Another supporter reminisced about a half marathon in 2011 where Galloway took the time to encourage her as he passed by.
Bobby McGee, a Colorado-based running coach, noted that Galloway’s techniques have made running more inclusive for many. “After-race chatter often focuses on experiences, not just times,” he explained.
Galloway leaves behind two sons and six grandchildren.
