Donald Franklin Kardong (born December 22, 1948) is a noted runner and author from the United States.

[2] In 1974, Kardong earned another bachelor's degree in English and a teaching certificate from the University of Washington in Seattle.

That same year, Kardong finished third in the 5000 meter race at the USA Outdoor Track and Field Championships with a time of 13:35.6.

In 1976, the 6' 3" Kardong finished 3rd in the United States Olympic Trials held in Eugene, Oregon with a time of 2:13:54.

[5][6] In 1998, controversy arose concerning steroid use by East German athletes at the 1976 Summer Olympics, including Gold medalist Waldemar Cierpinski.