Don Kardong
Don Kardong – Life, Career, and Notable Quotes
Learn about Don Kardong — American long-distance runner, 1976 Olympic marathoner, founder of Spokane’s Bloomsday Run, and longtime running journalist. Explore his athletic achievements, contributions to the sport, and his guiding philosophies.
Introduction
Don Kardong (born December 22, 1948) is an American long-distance runner, author, coach, race founder, and journalist. Best known for finishing fourth in the 1976 Olympic marathon and for founding the Lilac Bloomsday Run in Spokane, Washington, his impact extends far beyond his performances. Over decades, Kardong has shaped the running community through writing, race direction, advocacy, and mentorship.
Early Life and Education
Donald Franklin “Don” Kardong was born on December 22, 1948, in Kirkland, Washington (USA).
He attended Seattle Prep, graduating in 1967.
He went on to Stanford University, earning a bachelor’s degree in psychology in 1971.
Later, he earned a second bachelor’s degree in English and obtained a teaching certificate at the University of Washington in 1974.
At Stanford, Kardong competed primarily in the 5,000 meters and cross country.
He placed fourth in the 1970 NCAA cross-country meet.
Running Career & Achievements
Road to the Olympics
By 1974, Kardong had become a serious competitor on the U.S. track and road scene. He took third at the USA Outdoor Championships in the 5,000 m with a time of about 13:35.6.
That same year, he also began teaching in Spokane while continuing to train.
In the 1976 U.S. Olympic Trials held in Eugene, Oregon, Kardong placed third in the marathon with a time of 2:13:54, earning his spot on the U.S. Olympic team.
At the 1976 Montreal Olympics, he ran the marathon in 2:11:15 and finished fourth, just three seconds behind the bronze medalist.
Because of suspected doping by East German athletes, some commentary later suggested he might have been elevated in ranking under a “clean competition” scenario.
Beyond the Olympics, Kardong competed in major marathons including Honolulu Marathon, which he won in 1978, and placed top ten in New York City Marathon in 1977.
His personal bests include:
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5,000 m: ~13:35.0 (1976)
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Marathon: ~2:11:16 (1976)
Kardong’s consistency, tactical racing, and resilience during the competitive running boom of the 1970s made him a respected figure in American distance running.
Contributions Beyond the Track
In 1977, Kardong founded the Lilac Bloomsday Run, a 12 km road race in Spokane, Washington.
Over time, he has served as the race director of Bloomsday, promoting community running, health, and local engagement.
From 1977 to 1986, Kardong ran a running retail store in Spokane.
He also taught at an elementary school (Loma Vista Elementary) from 1974 to 1977.
As a writer, he contributed to Running magazine (1980–1983) and later to The Runner and Runner’s World (senior writer/editor roles).
He has also held leadership roles in the Road Runners Club of America (serving as president from 1996 to 2000).
Kardong has also served as executive director of the Children’s Museum of Spokane (2002–2004).
His influence spans athletic performance, race promotion, journalism, and community building.
Personality, Values & Approach
Kardong is often described as modest, thoughtful, humorous, and deeply committed to the sport and its community.
In interviews, he notes that running taught him lessons in patience, failure, consistency, and joy.
He frequently emphasizes that success in running (and life) comes through steady work, strong support systems, and embracing setbacks as learning experiences.
Even well into his later years, he continues to run multiple times a week, balancing mileage with cross-training, and acknowledging the changing pace but sustaining the spirit.
He also embraces humor and humility — for example, he’s known for quips about ice cream or training routines.
Notable Quotes
From interviews and writings, some memorable and reflective quotes or paraphrases attributed to Don Kardong include:
“Runners like to train 100 miles a week because it’s a round number, but I think 88 is a lot rounder.”
“Without ice cream, there would be chaos and darkness.”
“Be the best you can be at whatever stage you're in.”
“Find good running partners.”
“Enjoy the journey.”
These reflect his blend of serious commitment and lighthearted perspective.
Lessons from Don Kardong
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Performance isn’t everything
While his near-miss at the Olympics is often focal, his legacy includes marathon performance and community contribution, showing that influence can extend beyond podiums. -
Longevity and consistency matter
His sustained engagement — from athlete to race director to journalist — shows how lifelong commitment can build layered impact. -
Embrace setbacks as growth
His 4th-place Olympic finish, when seen with historical doping suspicion, did not deter him; rather, he shifted energy into service and mentorship. -
Community is fundamental
Founding and nurturing the Bloomsday run shows how athletes can give back locally and cultivate culture. -
Wit lightens the grind
His use of humor, humility, and grounded voice offers a model for staying human and accessible even in elite fields.
Conclusion
Don Kardong’s story is not just about times and races, but about legacy, service, and sustaining passion. He raced at the highest level, narrowly missing an Olympic medal, yet refused to let that define him. Instead, he translated his energies into creating events, writing to inspire, and contributing to communities of runners. His life invites us to run longer — not just in miles, but in meaning.