Olympic Gold Medalist Dawn Harper-Nelson to Inspire and Uplift at 2026 Running USA Industry Conference presented by haku in St. Louis

May 30, 2025

May 30, 2025 /EDNURANCE SPORTSWIRE/ – Running USA is thrilled to announce that two-time Olympic medalist and East St. Louis native Dawn Harper-Nelson will serve as the keynote speaker at the 2026 Running USA Industry Conference presented by haku, taking place in St. Louis, Missouri, Feb. 1-3, 2026. Harper-Nelson’s inspiring remarks will open the event at the Union Station Hotel on Monday, Feb. 2. Register now to secure your spot.

One of the most-decorated hurdlers in American history, Harper-Nelson’s illustrious track and field career is marked by her gold medal victory in the 100-meter hurdles at the 2008 Beijing Olympics and a silver medal at the 2012 London Olympics. She earned a silver medal at the 2017 World Championships. Harper-Nelson is the first American 100-meter hurdler to ever win Olympic gold and subsequently medal in the next summer Olympics.

“Running has always provided a place of freedom for me. I feel free to push my limits and see what I could become. It has opened doors I could have never imagined and to see it grow in St. Louis, a place that is so dear to me makes me proud and will forever keep me connected,” Harper-Nelson said.

“Dawn Harper-Nelson cleared 10 hurdles with ease after going over so many of the hurdles life put in her way,” said Jay Holder, Executive Director of Running USA. “From working three jobs to fund her professional career, to having surgery months before winning Olympic gold, Dawn’s story is one that tells the power of perseverance. She will undoubtedly inspire and excite the attendees of the 2026 Running Industry Conference presented by haku.”

Harper-Nelson’s athletic journey began at East St. Louis High School, where she clinched six state titles in hurdles events. She continued her athletic and academic pursuits at UCLA, earning multiple All-American honors and leading the Bruins to a national championship. In recognition of her achievements, Harper-Nelson was inducted into both the UCLA Athletics Hall of Fame and the St. Louis Sports Hall of Fame.

Beyond the track, Harper-Nelson is a dedicated community ambassador and volunteer in the St. Louis area where she lives with husband and two children. She has served as an ambassador for the United Way of Greater St. Louis and the American Diabetes Association, using her platform to inspire and educate area youth.

The 2026 Running USA Industry Conference will provide attendees with the opportunity to hear Harper-Nelson’s insights on perseverance, excellence, and community engagement. Her keynote address is anticipated to be a highlight of the event.

The price for the conference is set to rise at 11:59 p.m. on May 31, 2025. Register now to secure your spot. Running USA members should contact membership@runningusa.org for custom discount codes.

About the Industry Conference

Since its origins as a small gathering of Running USA’s founders in Southern California in 2004, the Running USA Industry Conference presented by haku is the best-attended, most esteemed gathering of running industry professionals from around the world. Moving locations each year, the conference has been held in Los Angeles, San Diego, Savannah, Houston, San Antonio, Denver, New Orleans, Puerto Rico, Las Vegas, Orlando, Louisville and heads to St. Louis for the 2026 event.

About Running USA

Running USA is a non-profit that serves as the leading trade organization for the running industry in North America and hosts the nation’s preeminent industry conference annually. Through education, research, best practices and data, Running USA is committed to supporting and facilitating growth, diversification and excitement in running communities everywhere. We promote networking and idea-sharing between event organizers, sponsors, vendors and athletes. Running USA is a member of a global alliance of organizations focused on the betterment of the global running community including the Running Industry Alliance and European Athletics. For more information, visit runningusa.org.