It is hard to imagine Spokane without Bloomsday, and it’s almost as hard to imagine Bloomsday without race founder Don Kardong. Incoming Executive Director, Jon Neill, notes that Kardong has been an extraordinary leader for the Bloomsday organization. “Because of Don, Spokane can lay claim to having one of the finest, and largest, road races in the world. The volunteers who have made Bloomsday the world-class event that it is today share Don’s vision and passion for this race. Thankfully, Don will continue to be involved with Bloomsday.” Year after year, the goals for Bloomsday remain the same: celebrate spring, bring the community together, and earn one of the most coveted t-shirts in the region. Many people have asked Neill about his new responsibilities and he jokes, “The toughest part is keeping the finishers t-shirt a secret. I take this responsibility very serious, as that is Spokane’s best kept secret.” //
