Former Rockville Centre resident runs marathon in every state

Derek Ogawa, a former resident of Rockville Centre, accomplished his goal of running a marathon in all 50 states and Washington D.C. on Sept. 30.  

According to Ellen Ogawa, his mother, his finishing race was in Portland, Maine, only a day after running another marathon in New Hampshire.  

It took him six years to achieve his goal, after he began with the New York City marathon in 2006.  

Ellen said he has run 72 marathons and completed eight Iron Man races, including the first ever New York City Iron Man this past August, 140 miles long. He has also completed marathons in Japan and the Bahamas. 

Derek grew up in Rockville Centre and attended South Side High School, where he ran track. He graduated in 2001 and then attended Bucknell University. He presently lives in Denver, Colorado.

“He was inspired by the loss of his father, Donald Ogawa, in November 2005,” Ellen said. “We are very proud of Derek’s accomplishment. It’s something most people would never dream of.”