Rogan brothers run ultra-marathon to support dad, HEADstrong Foundation

Tears mixed with sweat and dirt as Andrew and Rory Rogan broke across the finish line of their first ultra-marathon. Racing 31.07 miles along the winding trails of the Potomac River, the brothers completed the 50K Northface Endurance Challenge in 6:18:36. However, as they slowed to a stop and the finisher's medals were placed around their necks, the sense of joy did not come from finishing the race, nor did it come from sliding into an ice bath.

Joy came from the overwhelming sense of support that had been shown for their dad, Ched Rogan, in his fight against cancer.

“Our legs may have carried us to the finish line, but it was the support of countless individuals that allowed us to reach our goal,” said Rory Rogan. The brothers raced to test their endurance and also to raise money for the HEADstrong Foundation, which supports research and families fighting a cancer known as lymphoma.

Their father, Ched Rogan, has been fighting the disease since 2009. Currently in the second stages of treatment, Ched is about to undergo chemotherapy to battle the abnormal lymphocytes that cause the illness. Thanks to the 196 donations, the brothers raised $17,045.97 for blood disease research and treatment.

Finishing 136th and 137th, Rory and Andrew Rogan were among the 334 athletes who raced under the pristine conditions of cool weather, dry trails, and clear skies. “The first 10 miles were a blast,” recalls Andrew, “the next 10 miles we started to work, and the last few were all grit.”

Running the entire race together, the brothers climbed their way up mud banks and hills, through streams, and along the narrow, rocky shore of Great Falls Regional Park. With aid stations spaced throughout the course, the brothers carried water with them as they ran. “We needed to stay hydrated,” said Rory, “the aid stations always came just in time.”

The brothers were cheered on throughout the race by a number of friends and family members including their mother and father, Ann and Ched Rogan, as well as their younger brother Jeffrey, who was sidelined due to multiple knee injuries. Yet it was in the late stages of the race in between aid stations that both brothers found themselves motivated by the support of the hundreds of people who had not only offered donations, but kind words, thoughts and prayers for their family.

“Towards the end, when our bodies wanted to stop, it was the thought of the countless people who supported our endeavor that kept us going. It was like we carried them with us in each step toward a goal larger than ourselves,” the brothers stated.

As they crossed the finish line, tears, hugs, and smiles meshed together with sweat and grime. “Our family could not thank the many individuals for their kindness, generosity, and support, for not only our family but all others affected by lymphoma,” Rory said.

Together the brothers may have faced 31.07 miles of trail, but not once in the 6:18:38 did they find themselves alone, and in the coming months of chemotherapy, neither will Ched Rogan.