Creating a New Life From Tragic Loss

Fall 2010

It’s been twelve year’s since Craig Dabler looked at himself in the mirror and thought, “I can’t live like this anymore”.  He was carrying too many extra pounds on his slight frame and he felt horrible.  He knew he wasn’t healthy, that if he kept this up he wouldn’t be around for very much longer. So he got up, left the house and went for a run.

Craig before beginning
his running career

It’s a common story, shared by many runners – that life changing moment when you decide to do something for yourself, take charge of your health.  But here is the rub, Craig didn’t do it for himself, he did it for his parents.  His brother Matt had tragically taken his own life a few years before, leaving a hole in his family that Craig was searching for a way to fill, but didn’t know how.  The thought of leaving his parents alone was horrible. But those first few steps started a whole new journey, one that eventually would lead to him being awarded the Southern Arizona Roadrunner’s Spirit of Rob Bell Award.

His journey would take him many extraordinary places and introduce him to many wonderful people.  Craig began to compete in local races, a marathon here, a half marathon there, always improving and always amazed at the dedication of the runners around him.  As a noted craftsmen and jeweler, Craig wanted to recognize their accomplishments, so he began to design unique medals for finishers of local races.  He sponsors children’s races for the Southern Arizona Roadrunners and is a proud member of the Slow Old Goats – a racing team that enjoys running more than racing.  He participates for the love of running, for the friendship and the camaraderie.

The award memorializes Rob Bell, an ‘average, middle of the pack’ runner who always cheered on his fellow runners.  But Rob’s sister Wanda Hensley will tell you differently.   “It is awesome that Rob is remembered in this way.  He wouldn’t want the recognition, but his legacy as a champion of the accomplishment is what lives on in Craig through this award,” she said.

Craig running in Sabino Canyon.
Photo credit: Goatographer

That is why the selection of Craig is an apt choice.  

A man that has accomplished much more than just running, he has become a champion of those that inspire him.

Congratulations Craig!

6/1/2019 Edited to add: Tim Bentley wrote this in October 2010 for the SAR newsletter. Craig is among a long-line of amazing and inspiring individuals that have been awarded the Spirit of Rob Bell Award. Check out the inspiring list.

Craig is still a talented jewelry designer, he just gives other people the tools to create their own works of art. Check him out here.