Jeff Galloway dies at 80: The Olympian who made millions believe they could run a Marathon
Jeff Galloway gives a double thumbs-up as he heads to the finish line in the 50th AJC Peachtree Road Race in Atlanta in 2019. Galloway won the race in its first year. Image Credit: Curtis Compton/AP file
The running world is mourning the loss of Jeff Galloway, the 1972 Olympian and visionary coach who transformed distance running through his groundbreaking run/walk method. Galloway died Wednesday at the age of 80 from complications related to a stroke and brain bleeding, according to Runner’s World.
For more than five decades, Galloway was a driving force behind America’s modern running movement. From elite Olympic competition to grassroots coaching, bestselling books, and global training programs, he helped millions believe that running was not just for the gifted, but for everyone.
From “Unlikely Olympian” to 1972 Olympic Qualifier
Born John F. Galloway in Raleigh, North Carolina, he described himself as an overweight and academically struggling child who found confidence through cross-country running.
After steady improvement through high school and college, Galloway eventually qualified for the 10,000 meters at the 1972 Summer Olympics in Munich. Though he did not reach the final, the achievement cemented his place among America’s elite runners.
At the U.S. Olympic Trials that year, Galloway famously stepped aside at the finish of the marathon trial to allow his friend and teammate to secure an Olympic berth, a moment often cited as emblematic of his character and sportsmanship.
His competitive résumé included:
- Seventh place at the Boston Marathon (1972)
- Fifth place at Boston (1973)
- An American 10-mile road record (47:49 in 1973)
- Multiple international appearances with the U.S. track team
Yet it was what he did after elite racing that reshaped the sport.
The Run/Walk Method That Changed Running Forever
Galloway became synonymous with the run/walk method, often called “Jeffing.” The simple but revolutionary idea encouraged runners to incorporate planned walking intervals into their runs.
At a time when endurance culture glorified nonstop effort, Galloway legitimized walk breaks as a strategy to reduce injury, prevent burnout, and help beginners complete long-distance races.
The method empowered thousands, particularly first-time marathoners, to finish races once considered unattainable. It remains widely used in marathon training programs worldwide and is frequently cited as one of the most inclusive innovations in distance running history.
His bestselling book, Galloway’s Book on Running (1984), became one of the most influential coaching manuals ever published.
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Building the Modern Running Community
Beyond coaching, Galloway was a tireless entrepreneur and community builder. In the early 1970s, he founded Phidippides, one of America’s first specialty running stores. By 1978, the brand had expanded to 35 locations nationwide.
He also helped create the Peachtree 10K Road Race in Atlanta, transforming it into one of the world’s largest and most competitive 10K events.
Galloway’s influence extended into:
- Weekend running retreats and training camps
- Corporate fitness challenges
- Race pacing services
- Speaking tours and seminars
- Digital media, podcasts, and online coaching
He served as a longtime columnist and training consultant for major race series, bringing science-based training advice to recreational runners long before online coaching became mainstream.
A Lifelong Advocate for Accessible Fitness
Even after surviving a near-fatal cardiac episode in 2021 at age 75, Galloway returned to running advocacy with renewed purpose, emphasising resilience and mindset.
He frequently said, “What matters is not what happens to you, but how you respond.”
His approach was grounded in research but delivered with warmth and accessibility. Many runners regarded him not just as a coach, but as a mentor and friend.
He is survived by his wife Barbara, herself an accomplished marathoner and author, and their two sons.
A Lasting Legacy in the Running World
Jeff Galloway’s impact on running cannot be overstated. He bridged the gap between elite athletics and everyday fitness, proving that endurance sports could be welcoming, sustainable, and life-changing.
For millions of runners who completed their first 5K, half marathon, or marathon using his method, his legacy lives on, one run/walk interval at a time.
FAQ
Who was Jeff Galloway?
Jeff Galloway was an American Olympian, author, and running coach best known for pioneering the run/walk method of marathon training.
How did Jeff Galloway die?
He died at age 80 from complications related to a stroke and brain bleeding.
What is the run/walk method?
The run/walk method involves alternating timed running intervals with walking breaks to reduce fatigue and injury while improving endurance performance.
What is “Jeffing”?
“Jeffing” is a nickname for the run/walk method created by Jeff Galloway.
Was Jeff Galloway an Olympian?
Yes. He qualified for and competed in the 10,000 meters at the 1972 Summer Olympics.
Did Jeff Galloway run the Boston Marathon?
Yes. He placed seventh in 1972 and fifth in 1973 at the Boston Marathon.
What books did Jeff Galloway write?
He authored more than 20 books, including the bestselling Galloway’s Book on Running.
Why is Jeff Galloway important to running?
He helped make long-distance running accessible to beginners by promoting structured walk breaks and community-focused training.