Meet the Eastons: Two of Casper’s Familiar Trailblazers

For Dawn and Eric Easton, the trails aren’t just a place to run or ride; they’re a critical part of life in Casper. From early morning jogs to stacking up miles on the bike, the Eastons are among some of the most familiar faces on the Platte River Trails system. However, their love for the outdoors goes far beyond personal use. 

As a longtime board member of Platte River Trails, Eric has dedicated countless hours to supporting trails, volunteering time (you’ve surely seen him at Riverfest!), and working to advance the trails he travels nearly every day. 
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“I was invited to join the board as a representative of the running and biking community, offering insight from the perspective of someone who uses the system regularly,” says Eric. “I try to bring the voice of the everyday trail user. Whether you’re walking, biking, or running, these trails connect the whole community and give people a safe place to get outside.” 

Joining Eric in his trail excursions and Riverfest volunteer efforts is Dawn, an avid runner and trail user, who supports efforts to ensure Casper’s trails remain accessible, safe, and enjoyable for generations to come.  Over 20 years ago, their passion for movement on the trails led them to create something truly special: the Casper Marathon. After joining Platte River Trails, Eric and Dawn both got involved with Windy City Striders. Through their work with this in-town trail-running group, they joined forces with other community members interested in bringing a marathon to Casper, and as trails were built, the vision came to life. 

“As trails along the Platte River were planned and constructed, it was clear that a marathon course on the trails was possible,” says Eric. “Using the Platte River trails allowed us to design a 26.2-mile course primarily on trails and off the streets, minimizing conflicts with traffic, and creating a course that was interesting, scenic, and displayed Casper’s history as a crossroads for migrant trails and the oil industry.” ​

What began as a bold idea has grown into Wyoming’s only true Boston Marathon-qualifier, putting Casper on the national running map. The race draws participants from across the country, bringing not just runners, but their families and supporters to the heart of Wyoming. The trails play a vital role in making the Casper Marathon possible (imagine the logistics of having that many runners on Casper’s roads!). Without this established trail system, events like this simply couldn’t exist at the same scale or quality. 

For fifteen years, Dawn and Eric served as co-directors of the race alongside a dedicated team of volunteers. During those early years, Platte River Trails board members regularly staffed an aid station at the Tate Pumphouse, a tradition that reflects just how intertwined the race and the trail community have always been. 

Beyond the Casper Marathon, Dawn and Eric Easton’s commitment and unwavering passion for outdoor recreation have greatly impacted the trail community. They are true trailblazers in Casper, shaping Platte River Trails into what we know today. 

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