Jeff Galloway, 1972 U.S. Olympian and creator of the run/walk method that helped thousands finish marathons with fewer injuries, has died at 80 after stroke-related complications.
Jeff Galloway, the 1972 US Olympian who went on to reshape recreational running in America through his pioneering run/walk method, has died at the age of 80. He passed away Wednesday from complications related to a stroke and brain bleeding.
Galloway qualified for the Munich Olympic Games in the 10,000 meters, an achievement he often described as the result of persistence more than raw talent.
Over the next five decades, he built one of the broadest coaching and community footprints in the sport, founding specialty running stores, training programs, camps, and travel experiences.
He is best known for popularizing the run/walk method, sometimes called “Jeffing,” which encouraged runners to incorporate structured walking intervals into their training and races.
The approach helped thousands complete marathons and long-distance events with reduced risk of burnout or injury.
A prolific author, Galloway wrote more than 20 books, including the widely read Galloway’s Book on Running. He remained active as a speaker, columnist, and race consultant well into his later years, adapting to podcasts and digital platforms as the sport evolved.
Beyond records and titles, he was regarded as a patient teacher who treated beginners and Olympians with equal respect.
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