Former U.S. Olympian Jeff Galloway, a pioneering figure in distance running who helped make the marathon accessible to everyday athletes, has passed away at the age of 80. He died Wednesday afternoon at a hospital in Pensacola, Florida, after suffering a hemorrhagic stroke, according to a statement from his family. Known for his warmth, encouragement, and innovative training philosophy, Galloway leaves behind a legacy that reshaped how millions of people approach running. He is survived by his two sons and six grandchildren, along with a global community of runners inspired by his life’s work.
Galloway first gained national recognition as a member of the U.S. Olympic team at the 1972 Munich Games, competing in the 10,000 meters. During the Olympic marathon trials that same year, he demonstrated remarkable sportsmanship. Running in third place for much of the race, he made the selfless decision near the finish to allow a teammate to secure the final qualifying spot. That moment reflected the character that would define his career: a belief that achievement is most meaningful when shared. While his competitive accomplishments were impressive, it was his dedication to uplifting others that truly distinguished him.
He became a central figure in the American running boom of the 1970s and beyond, credited with opening the marathon distance to people of all ages and fitness levels. His signature “Run-Walk-Run” method encouraged runners to take strategic walk breaks to manage fatigue and reduce injury risk. The approach challenged traditional training ideas and proved transformative for beginners and experienced athletes alike. Galloway famously demonstrated the effectiveness of this strategy during the 1980 Houston Marathon, where he incorporated walk breaks at water stations and finished in 2:16:35 — faster than some of his previous continuous-running performances.
Beyond coaching, Galloway was an accomplished athlete in his own right. He earned All-American honors while competing for Florida State University and won the inaugural Peachtree Road Race in Atlanta in 1970, an event that would grow into the world’s largest 10K race. He later founded running stores, training programs, and camps designed to welcome newcomers into the sport. Throughout his life, he emphasized that success was not about speed, but about perseverance and belief. His family shared that he found joy in hearing stories of personal milestones from runners around the world — proof that his greatest victory was helping others discover their own strength, one finish line at a time.