Jeff Galloway Made Running For Everyone
by Laurie Ruettimann
Jeff Galloway passed away on February 25, 2026, at the age of 80, after complications from a stroke. His loss is deeply felt by everyone who loved him. As my people say, may his memory be a blessing.
It is also a lesson.
Galloway started the modern run/walk movement even though he admitted he wasn’t a natural runner. Runner’s World called him a “runner of limited talent and limitless dedication.” Still, he competed in the 1972 Olympics in the 10,000 meters, won the first Peachtree Road Race (that he helped to create), and ran over 230 marathons.
In 1974, Galloway began teaching a running class at Florida State. Many of his students hadn’t run in years. He had them walk with short jogs mixed in, adjusting the intervals so no one was out of breath. Everyone finished the class smiling. This became the run/walk method. Some called it “Jeffing.” Taking walk breaks helps prevent injuries, saves energy, and boosts your confidence. These intervals aren’t a sign of weakness. They were part of a smart strategy.
At the 1980 Houston Marathon, he walked through every water station and still finished in 2:16:35, faster than his previous run-only races.
What He Built
People often think of running as a solo sport. Galloway understood it as a community endeavor. He de-shamed walking. When you run-walk, you usually don’t do it alone. The intervals keep groups together. The method creates space for conversation, encouragement, and showing up alongside people who are also figuring it out.
Before Galloway, walking during a run was seen as failing. After him, it became an inclusive and smart choice. He made running possible for millions who had been told, in different ways, that running wasn’t for them. Now, at runDisney events and in run-walk groups everywhere, people who don’t fit the old image of a runner show up and finish strong. That was the goal of his method.
What He Gave Me
Every running coach I had earlier in my career tried to train me out of walking. It was okay to have a few walk intervals, but the goal was to run a big race all the way through. I always ended up injured. I found the run-walk-run method about ten years ago, and it’s helped me through some big races. I don’t use it only when I’m exhausted. It’s a strategic approach that lets me keep doing this sport beyond what most people think is possible. Galloway gave me that framework, and he gave it to many of us.
I met Jeff a few years ago at an event called Runningman. I ran with him, listened to his clinic, and told him how much his work meant to me. I used his method to train for ultramarathons, and it was the only thing that worked for me as an athlete with rheumatoid arthritis. He was glad to hear this and asked me questions. We talked about fatigue, managing training, recovery, and how his method fits into all of it.
And then I never saw him again. No emails in my inbox. No requests to like and subscribe, pushy affiliate links, or sponsored protein powder. He didn’t seem to cultivate parasocial relationships with his followers. The message was: learn this, run, walk, be happy, get outside, be in community with other people. Then go live your life.
That’s exactly what I did.
The Lesson
Jeff Galloway showed that the best way to welcome people is to make things easier to start, without lowering the standard. I’m grateful I learned from him and got to thank him in person. I’ll keep thanking him in my heart as I get ready for the London Marathon in less than two months.
His memory is more than a blessing. It’s a legacy that changed running, and I believe the sport is better because of it.