Jeff Galloway, Olympian and Architect of the Run/Walk Method, Dies at 80

​​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.