Jeff Galloway has passed away.

[nancipants]

I thought this deserved its own thread. Jeff Galloway has passed away at the age of 80.

His family posted the following on social media. It shows how truly inspiring he was and how many lives he changed.

“Sadly, we lost someone truly irreplaceable today. We are heartbroken to share the news of the passing of Jeff — a husband, a father, a grandfather, a coach, a mentor, and a believer in every single one of you.

Jeff spent his life proving that anyone could cross a finish line. He celebrated every mile, every walk break, and every finish. He coached millions, but found fulfillment in each of your stories of personal accomplishment.

Jeff had an almost supernatural ability to look at any person, any age, any fitness level… and see not what they were, but what they could become, in fitness and in life.

He was genuinely thrilled by every single accomplishment, whether you were crossing the finish line of your fastest marathon or nervously finishing your first mile. To Jeff, both were worthy of celebration because both required you to believe in yourself and take the risk of trying.

Jeff did not just make runners. He empowered people to believe in themselves.

He is survived by every person who ever crossed a finish line and thought, “I didn’t think I could do this”.

Run easy. Walk proud. And thank you, Jeff, for always believing in every one of us!”

 

[nancipants]

He is survived by every person who ever crossed a finish line and thought, “I didn’t think I could do this”.

This. Right here.

 

[CaliforniaGirl09]

So sad. He was such an important person to the RunDisney community. What a legacy though.

 

[Z-Knight]

I'm glad I got meet him one last time Marathon weekend. I gave him my two coins and he gave me his time and his advice. He is already missed.

 

[pinkxray]

I’ve done a few Disney half marathons. Never would have attempted it without having read his book and the run/walk method. Thank you Jeff!

 

[Fischstick]

He is 100% the reason I ever considered doing the marathon. Such a kind man and generous soul. His legacy will endure and he will be missed!

 

[FFigawi]

I can’t think of anyone who has done more for the general running population with his run/walk methodology and support for everyone from the back to the front of the pack.

 

[Dopey 2020]

I huge part of what got me running marathons, I was lucky enough to have met him several times and run beside him in a runDisney 5k. Just a genuinely nice person who will be missed.

 

[DianaMB333]

https://marathonhandbook.com/jeff-galloway-dies-at-80/

This obituary is so heart felt.. I wholeheartedly agree .. many lives had changed because of him

Thank you Jeff

 

[Jonnnyap]

Jeff inspired so many people and made the world a better place. My heart goes out to all who are grieving and remembering him.

Run on, brother.

 

[tx911]

Wow. He will be missed! His was the first book on running that I ever had. RIP.

 

[GuinnessRunner]

Like many others, I had the chance to meet Jeff once or twice and always appreciated how generous he was with his time. What I find myself drawn to reading posts here and on social media is a sense of loss for someone who was such a humble inspiration to millions of people, especially at this time. As the post from his family said, he (an Olympian no less!) believed in us before many of us did on our own. There is so much power in anyone believing in you, let alone someone as accomplished as Jeff was. I hope that I and all of us in the running community continue to pass that spirit on.

 

[Fenway1970]

I obviously knew who he was but had never really read much of his back story until this morning. I mean, this guy was elite. And for him to have embraced us “not so fast” runners the way he did and help so many people realize that dream of 26.2 is impressive and inspirational. Awesome dude. A loss for the rD community and the running community at large. He will definitely be missed.