Jeff Galloway '67, Olympian and Pioneer of the Run/Walk method, passed away in late February at the age of 80.
A tireless ambassador for the sport of running, Galloway was a formative figure in the running movement. Running for Wesleyan, he developed into an All-American in both cross country and track while he was a senior on the 1966 cross country team that featured a pair of Wesleyan Hall of Famers in Amby Burfoot '68 and Bill Rodgers '70. That trio achieved quite a bit within the sport, helping shape running as we now know it.
After graduating from Wesleyan, Jeff spent three years in the United States Navy, then attended graduate school at Florida State University where he earned a master's degree in social studies and met his wife, Barbara. Jeff made the 1972 United States Olympic Team competing in the 10,000-meter run. He later set an American 10-mile road race record, posting a time of 47:49, while he placed fifth in the 1973 Boston Marathon.
Jeff was a pioneer of the run/walk method, also known as the "Galloway Method" or Jeffing," which instructed runners to add walking intervals into their runs. Galloway founded running stores, running groups, and running camps over his life. He was involved in creating races, was one of the sport's most sought-after speakers, wrote and marketed a best-selling training book, and continued to evolve over time by moving into social media, podcasts, and race promotion.
"For three years at Wesleyan, Jeff and I ran together every day, and never once competed against each other on a training run," said Amby Burfoot '68. "That's quite rare among talented runners. But we both believed in 'Train, Don't Strain,' and we both believed we were better as partners than as rivals. Later, after making the Olympic Team, Jeff did something no other elite runner has ever done. He committed his passion and knowledge to improving the lives of beginning and recreational runners. In this way, he made a greater contribution to 'the running community' than any other individual I can think of."
"One factor at Wesleyan that makes it a unique school is individuals are given room to explore, reach, and aim high, and Jeff did that through this simple sport which had this massive impact that is still growing," said Bill Rodgers '70. "His legacy won't be forgotten. The man who opened the door for anybody to give it a try in running and walking. Two sports that are desperately needed to avoid so much of the poor health that so many have fallen upon. Jeff made running fun!"
