Crossfitters across the county are doing the "Murph Challenge" in honor of Memorial Day on Monday.
The Murph Challenge was started in honor of Navy SEAL Lieutenant Michael P. Murphy who gave his life to protect his fellow men.
Lt. Murphy was the officer-in-charge of a four-man SEAL element in support of Operation Red Wings near Asadabad, Afghanistan in 2005. They were tasked with finding a key anti-coalition militia commander in the area.
When the SEALs got into the area, they were spotted by three goat herders who were initially detained and then released. It is believed the herders reported the SEALs to Taliban fighters.
A gun battle ensued and the SEALs were outnumbered. Lt. Murphy suffered gunshot wounds during the battle but moved into the open where he could gain a better position to transmit a call for help.
He moved away from protective mountain rocks and exposed himself to enemy gunfire. Lt. Murphy made contact with the SOF Quick Reaction Force at Bagram Air Base and requested assistance. He provided his unit's location and the size of the enemy force, all while taking enemy fire.Â
At one point he was shot in the back and he dropped the transmitter. Lt. Murphy picked it back up and completed the call, then returned to his cover position with his men to continue the battle.
Lt. Murphy fought on and allowed on member of his team, Marcus Luttrell, to escape before he was killed.Â
Lt. Murphy was posthumously awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor on October 27, 2007.
The Murph Challenge was created out of the CrossFit community after that.Â
The workout is designed to be challenging and done as a tribute to show gratitude to the sacrifices service members in the military, fire departments, police officers and more.
Wolf Valley Performance in Reno participated in the Murph Challenge and the workout was free for the community. They collected donations for the Disable American Veterans charity. Coaches will be present to help participants of all fitness levels.
There was also a BBQ for Memorial Day at the gym.
