Running Down a Dream: Remembering Jeff Galloway

The 1972 Olympian, running author, former Peachtree Road Race leader, former Atlanta Track Club czar, and Atlanta entrepreneur, Jeff Galloway has died at 80.

It’s hard to categorize Jeff. There were so many moving parts to his life, literally and figuratively. He helped create the running/jogging/walking boom more than 50 years ago.

Runners World referred to Galloway as — “probably the most influential single contributor to the evolving running movement in America.”

His enduring Atlanta legacy? 

Jeff helped the Peachtree Road Race achieve status as a marquee event by bringing together world-class fields which, in 1977, included Frank Shorter, Bill Rodgers, Don Kardong, and Lasse Viren.

Jeff attracted the greatest runners through his many connections, then adding powerful Cox Media as the sponsor, the race was kicked into a new orbit of importance.

"When we met with Jim Kennedy (future Cox chairman), he got it right away, and wanted to sponsor the race," said Mr. Galloway.

By June 1977, Peachtree had been transformed. Most 10K races in America then totaled a few hundred runners, but Atlanta would be different.

1976 Olympian Don Kardong told the Atlanta Track Club, “I think Jeff was ahead of his time in terms of conceptualizing the whole idea of what a road race can be in bringing in the Olympic athletes and encouraging everyday runners, too.”

Jeff had a plan, but it would take timing and some luck. 

"I invited my Olympic teammates — notably Frank Shorter," Mr. Galloway said. "I expanded to others: my college teammate Bill Rodgers, and some of my competitors in Europe, Latin America and Africa. I also connected with my best friend, Geoff Hollister (3rd employee at Nike), who was working with track athletes around the world. He gave them my phone number."

The word spread among athletes that something new was going on at Peachtree.

"I was on the phone every day with more athletes who wanted to come to the best field assembled in a road race, with the possible exception of Boston Marathon."

After 1977, a new day, the race doubled again and became a rolling party in the streets of a festive Atlanta.

I always enjoyed listening to stories of his friendship and competition with the mythical Steve Prefontaine, the West Coast runner who helped launch Nike to the world.

Credit: Jeff Galloway

Jeff Galloway’s influence on the running world is immeasurable, and his impact in Atlanta is extraordinary.

When I arrived here 42 years ago, Jeff was one of those Mt. Rushmore local sports figures along with Aaron, Niekro, Dooley, Walker, Dodd and Bartkowski.

Even after his serious heart problems of a few years ago, Jeff Galloway seemed indestructible. It is truly the end of an Atlanta era.

He was always pushing, never resting, and always seemed to have a new project.

On Jeff’s Instagram page this morning, following the announcement of his death, the post reads: “He is survived by every person who ever crossed a finish line and thought, "I didn't think I could do this.”

Rest In peace, Jeff.