Don Kardong

Don Kardong has been a runner since 1964. He is a former Olympic marathoner (4th place, 1976), a senior writer for Runner's World magazine, the founder of the Lilac Bloomsday Run in Spokane, Washington (50,000 entrants), and a past president of the Road Runners Club of America (1996-2000). He is an author, speaker, consultant, and online coach.

Born December 22, 1948. Grew up in Bellevue, Washington, graduated from Seattle Prep in 1967. Attended Stanford University, graduating in 1971 with a B.A. in Psychology. Attended the University of Washington from 1974-76, earning a B.A. in English and a teaching certificate.

Moved to Spokane in 1974, where he was a sixth grade classroom teacher from 1974-1977 at Loma Vista Elementary. Helped launch the Lilac Bloomsday Run in the spring of 1977. The event has since grown to include over 50,000 entrants.

In the fall of 1977, opened "The Human Race" retail running store in downtown Spokane. Sold the store in June of 1986, and has been working exclusively as a writer, speaker, and consultant since then. After writing his first article for Runner's World magazine in 1975, he worked for Running Times, Running (1980-1983), and the Runner (1983-1987) before rejoining Runner's World in 1987. As a senior writer, his features are famous for their offbeat perspective and humorous insights.

Don also speaks extensively to running and non-running groups (click here for info), and has coached runners of all ages and abilities. He has recently launched an online coaching business.

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