Brianne Nelson (born October 27, 1980) is an American long-distance runner active from 2011-2018. Nelson competed at the 2016 IAAF World Half Marathon Championships[1] where she placed 28th, and participated in the US Olympic Marathon trials.[2] She represented the U.S. at the Great Edinburgh International Cross Country championship.[3]
She is a graduate of Fort Lewis College.[4]
Nelson had numerous podium finishes at U.S. road running championships at various distances.[5] She is also a multiple-time winner of the Great Cow Harbor 10K.[6]
Nelson wanted to make the 2008 Olympic team in the marathon but then became pregnant. She took three years off, gave birth in 2008 and again in 2010, then ran at the 2012 trials more to participate than compete because caring for girls ages 3 and 1 was hardly conducive to training at an elite level. The Fort Lewis College graduate will run the marathon trials knowing that at age 35, this is probably her last chance to be an Olympian.
