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Jeff Galloway, Olympian and Run‑Walk‑Run Pioneer, Dies at 80

His walk‑break approach opened distance running to millions and helped define the inclusive culture of Disney’s race series.

Overview

  • His family and the Associated Press said he died on Feb. 25 at a Pensacola, Florida hospital following a hemorrhagic stroke.
  • Galloway underwent emergency neurosurgery on Feb. 20, prompting an outpouring of public support and tributes from runners.
  • A 1972 U.S. Olympian in the 10,000 meters, he also won the first Peachtree Road Race in 1970 and set a U.S. 10‑mile mark in 1973.
  • He introduced the Run‑Walk‑Run method in 1974 while teaching at Florida State University, authored more than 20 books, coached millions, and completed over 200 marathons after surviving a major 2021 cardiac event.
  • As runDisney’s longtime official training consultant, he created training plans and pace teams, and his death comes just before Disney’s Princess Half Marathon Weekend, prompting widespread community remembrances.