Olympian Jeff Galloway Dies At Age 80 From Stroke

Jeff Galloway, the influential Olympian and pioneer of the run-walk method, passed away on February 25, 2026, at the age of 80 due to complications from a hemorrhagic stroke. His daughter-in-law, Carissa Galloway, confirmed that he died in a hospital in Pensacola, Florida. Galloway's legacy is profound; he was a key figure in the American running boom of the 1960s and 1970s, inspiring countless runners through his innovative training methods. His approach, which he began teaching in 1974, involved integrating walking intervals into running, making the sport more accessible to beginners. Galloway famously stated, "Running isn't supposed to be a suffer-fest. It should be something peaceful, something enjoyable," highlighting his belief that running should be enjoyable rather than daunting (ESPN).