Jeff Galloway, the official training consultant for runDisney, has passed away at age 80 after a hemorrhagic stroke in Pensacola, Florida. His death is a significant loss to the runDisney community and the running world, as his training methods made long-distance running accessible to many beginners. Galloway’s run-walk-run method helped countless individuals complete events they thought were impossible, allowing them to experience running through Disney theme parks.As a consultant, he created training programs and provided pacing with his Galloway Pace Team, encouraging runners and promoting the idea that running should be enjoyable. His mission to help others avoid pain while achieving a sense of accomplishment resonated deeply with participants, especially those new to the sport.Very sad news for the runDisney community today as we learn of the passing of legendary training consultant Jeff Galloway at age 80. He died at a hospital in Pensacola, Florida, after suffering a hemorrhagic stroke, according to his daughter-in-law.Jeff’s "Run-Walk-Run… pic.twitter.com/oV8MQx7KKl— Chip and Company (@4chipandcompany) February 26, 2026The Run-Walk-Run Method Used at runDisneyGalloway’s most significant contribution to recreational running was his run-walk-run method, which challenged the conventional wisdom that “real” runners never walk during races. His approach advocated for planned walk breaks at regular intervals throughout runs, allowing runners to cover longer distances with less fatigue, reduced injury risk, and greater enjoyment. For runDisney participants specifically, many of whom were attempting their first races or returning to running after years away from the sport, the run-walk-run method provided permission to approach races in ways that felt sustainable rather than overwhelming.The method worked by inserting brief walk breaks at predetermined intervals before fatigue set in, allowing muscles to recover partially while still maintaining forward momentum. A typical Galloway ratio might involve running for one minute and walking for 30 seconds, or running for three minutes and walking for one minute, with the specific ratio depending on the runner’s fitness level and race distance goals. This approach allowed beginners to complete distances they never thought possible while reducing the injury rates that often sideline new runners who try to do too much too quickly.Jeff Galloway was more than an Olympian, he is the reason countless people like myself became marathoners. In a world where exclusion and gatekeeping can be common in sports, he opened the gates wide and invited us all in. My thoughts are with his family and all who loved him. pic.twitter.com/qFNgCDgKnD— Laura (@LWGA2009) February 26, 2026For runDisney events, which often attract participants motivated more by Disney fandom than by competitive running ambitions, Galloway’s philosophy aligned perfectly with the celebratory rather than competitive atmosphere of Disney races. Participants could run through Cinderella Castle, take photos with characters on course, and still finish their races feeling accomplished rather than destroyed. That combination of achievement without suffering made runDisney accessible to a demographic that might never have attempted traditional road races.Olympic and Elite Running BackgroundDespite becoming known primarily for his work with recreational runners, Galloway had legitimate elite running credentials. He competed at the 1972 Olympic Games in Munich in the 10,000-meter event, representing the United States at the highest level of international competition. He also broke the U.S. 10-mile record in 1973, demonstrating that his knowledge of running came from personal experience at the sport’s highest levels rather than just theoretical understanding.Credit: runDisneyThis combination of elite achievement and dedication to helping beginners made Galloway uniquely credible. He could speak from experience about what it takes to run at the Olympic level while also understanding and respecting the goals of someone just trying to complete their first 5K. That dual perspective allowed him to create training programs that were physiologically sound based on sports science while remaining psychologically accessible to people who had never considered themselves athletes.Beyond runDisneyGalloway’s impact extended far beyond his work with runDisney. He was CEO of his own consulting business, owner of two running stores, author of numerous books on running training and injury prevention, and a magazine columnist who regularly shared advice with the broader running community. His books became essential resources for recreational runners worldwide, with titles covering everything from training for specific race distances to running after age 40 to injury prevention strategies.His lifetime achievements included being inducted to the Hall of Fame for the Road Runners Club of America and The Westminster School, recognition that acknowledged his contributions to making running accessible to broader populations. Runner’s World selected him as one of 18 Runner’s World Experts in the magazine’s 40th anniversary edition, placing him among the most influential voices in recreational running. He received the Wellstone’s Dallas White Rock Marathon 2006 Victory Award and was named to the Association of Independent Sports Stores Hall of Fame, honoring his work both as a coach and as a retail advocate for the running community.Credit: DisneyGalloway was among 281 notable athletes and coaches included on the Walkway of Fame at Nike headquarters, placing him in company with some of the most significant figures in sports history. That recognition from Nike, one of the world’s most prominent athletic brands, demonstrated how his influence extended beyond just the Disney running community to the broader sports and fitness world.The Galloway Pace TeamOne of Galloway’s most visible contributions to runDisney events was the Galloway Pace Team, which provided on-course pacing support during Disney races. These pace teams carried signs indicating their target finish times and maintained consistent pacing throughout races, allowing runners to stay with the group and finish at their desired times without constantly checking watches or worrying about starting too fast and fading later.For beginners especially, having a pace team to follow removed much of the anxiety around race-day pacing strategy. Runners could simply stay with their designated pace group, following the planned run-walk-run intervals called out by pace team leaders, and trust that they would finish at their goal time if they maintained the group’s pace. This support system made races feel less isolating and more like shared experiences where everyone worked together toward common goals.The runDisney Community’s LossFor many runDisney participants who used Galloway’s training programs, his death marks the loss of a mentor who made their successes possible. Social media tributes highlight gratitude for Galloway’s encouragement, praise for effective training methods, and recognition that his philosophy made running accessible to all. His involvement signaled that Disney races welcomed beginners and celebrated every finisher, emphasizing that you didn’t need to be a “real runner” to participate. Walking was not only acceptable but encouraged, reinforcing that crossing the finish line mattered more than finish times.Last year at the finish of the Halloween Half Marathon I was exhausted. And then I saw Jeff Galloway there. Cheering on all of the runners. As he always did. Even though I was struggling to finish I decided to stop and get a pic with him and thank him.RIP Jeff. Thank you. pic.twitter.com/L4W7V0GZdJ— Park Journey (@Park_Journey) February 26, 2026A Legacy of AccessibilityJeff Galloway’s legacy in the running community, especially within runDisney, is his dedication to making running accessible for everyone, regardless of age or fitness level. At a time when running could seem exclusive, Galloway encouraged regular people to join the sport and enjoy its benefits without needing to be elite athletes. His training programs played a key role in transforming runDisney into a popular race series, attracting those who might not consider traditional races but were eager to explore Disney parks in unique ways. Galloway’s approachable methods and Disney’s captivating race environments helped many achieve goals they once thought impossible, creating lasting memories and building confidence beyond race day.The post The Man Who Made runDisney Accessible to Everyone Just Passed Away appeared first on Inside the Magic.