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. Get to know her ahead of the event in this new interview!
Harper-Nelson’s inspiring remarks will open the event at the Union Station Hotel on Monday, Feb. 2. Register here.
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.