Frank Shorter, 1972 Olympic gold medalist, 1976 Olympic silver medalist, wrote this piece in honor of his dear friend, Jeff Galloway, who passed away, at the age of 80, on February 25, 2026.
Jeff Galloway was a 1972 Olympian. In the 1980s and 1990’s, Jeff changed running, using his Galloway System of Run/Walk. He opened the sport to millions with his system and his charismatic nature welcomed runners and walkers around the world! This is the first of several pieces you will see on our site about Jeff Galloway, who changed the world of running.
Special thanks to Jeff Benjamin for getting this to our readers.
Frank Shorter Tribute To Jeff Galloway by Jeff Benjamin – 2/28
“Jeff Galloway was a quietly intense long distance runner who evolved into a truly unique educator.
Over time we came to know he had a gift that allowed him to describe and physically demonstrate the essence of running as only he saw it. He did this in many ways: making appearances, writing books, founding road races, opening running stores and even holding camps for adults.
In the Spring of 1972 Jack Bachelor and I spent three months with him in Vail , Colorado, training at altitude for the upcoming Olympic Trials We focused on backing up each other’s training programs. There was no talk of future careers.
Our friendships solidified and we all qualified for the Track and Field team. Jeff returned home to finish his education and coach his first group of runners.
Little did we know then that he was a born entertainer who could pass on his widespread knowledge about training in a way that was simply not intimidating It aroused an ever expanding multitude of grateful runners.
Rest in Peace Jeff. Your smile will always be easy to remember. “
Excellent Big Frank. A prophet.
Thanks Bobby! Greetings from Portland! I’m out here for a week! Hope you are well!
LE
Excellent Big Frank.
Very well said. Was really impressed with Jeff’s running clinic and seminar here in Victoria, BC, Canada, 1988.
Chris, thanks for your kind note. Jeff Galloway was an Olympic athlete and changed the sport of running with his
Galloway Run Walk Method. I miss him, he was a great human being.
The journey and friendship started when I first met Jeff at the 1972 Munich Olympics. I was always fascinated with road running and the creation of the Peach-tree Road race and then 1980 when I first started road racing. I had a call from Jeff inviting me to the Peach-tree Road race. Our journey was based around encouraging and inspiring people to get off the sofa and go out for a run. After the 1984 Olympics, I worked with the City of Los Angeles marathon to create the a “Peoples” marathon and and Jeff was very supportive with his encouragement very inspiring.
Incredible journey – blessings to his spirit 🙏
Rod,
Thanks so much for your moving note about Jeff Galloway. I am posting it, with your permission.
Hope to see you soon!
Larry Eder