A Race for Every Runner: Joe Zabel's Road to the Casper Marathon
Every June, runners from across the country gather in central Wyoming for the Casper Marathon. A race that is as much about the experience as the finish line.
Some arrive chasing a personal record. Others are tackling their first marathon or half marathon. A few choose the Casper Marathon on their road to qualify for the Boston Marathon or complete the 50 Marathons in 50 States Club. Many come for the chance to spend a weekend exploring Natrona County’s wide-open landscapes, winding river paths, and welcoming running community. For Joe Zabel, that community has made all the difference.
As a Wyoming local, living in Gillette, Zabel has spent years pursuing endurance sports across the Mountain West. He completed his first half marathon on the trails of the Black Hills in 2014 before moving on to several more races and eventually his first full marathon in Fruita, Colorado.
“I kind of caught the bug,” Joe said.
Like many runners, one race quickly turned into another.
Weekends became opportunities to explore new communities, discover new courses, and challenge himself in different environments. Running was only one piece of a larger passion for outdoor recreation that included cycling, mountain biking, climbing, and gravel riding.
That love of adventure eventually led him to Moab, Utah, where a climbing accident in 2018 resulted in a spinal cord injury and traumatic brain injury.
Today, Joe participates in endurance events as an adaptive athlete, but he is quick to point out that no journey like this happens alone. He credits his wife, friends, therapists, and the broader sports community for helping him continue pursuing the activities he loves. One physical therapist, who happened to be a runner herself, helped spark a new goal during recovery.
“What half marathon did you sign up for?” she asked.
The question planted a seed.
Over time, handcycling became part of Joe’s training and racing experience. Outdoor recreation remained a part of his life. New challenges replaced old ones, but the desire to continue racing and pressing his own limits never disappeared.
That spirit is one reason the Casper Marathon appealed to him.
“The community is very supportive,” Joe said.
For runners visiting Casper, that sense of welcome is often one of the race’s biggest draws.
The Casper Marathon attracts everyone from first-time participants to seasoned competitors pursuing larger goals. The course follows the North Platte River through one of Wyoming’s most scenic urban landscapes, offering views that feel distinctly Western while remaining accessible to runners of varying experience levels.
For adaptive athletes, the event provides an opportunity to participate alongside a broad and encouraging community of runners. Pioneering the way for this opportunity, Zabel will be taking on the marathon this year using a handcycle. “The Casper Marathon was the only event like this in the region that would allow me to give this a try” Joe explained.
For newcomers, the Casper Marathon offers a chance to tackle a major milestone in an environment known for its friendly volunteers and enthusiastic support. For experienced racers, it delivers a certified course and the opportunity to test themselves against personal goals.
In many ways, Joe’s story reflects what makes the Casper Marathon special. The race brings together people with different backgrounds, different abilities, and different reasons for showing up. Some are chasing a podium finish. Others are simply hoping to cross the finish line. Many discover that the memories they take home extend well beyond race day.
Beyond the race, visitors can spend the weekend exploring local trails, enjoying the North Platte River, visiting museums, savoring flavors from around the world in local restaurants, or venturing further into the landscapes that make our region unique.
For Joe, those connections between recreation, community, and adventure are part of what keeps drawing people back to endurance sports.
Whether you’re lining up for your first 10K, chasing a marathon personal best, or simply looking for an unforgettable Wyoming weekend, you’ll find yourself in good company on race day.
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