By: BJ McKay—
Muncie, IN-Muncie CrossFit will once again host its annual Memorial Day fundraising event, The Murph Challenge, a nationwide cause honoring fallen soldiers and raising money for the Lt. Michael P. Murphy Memorial Scholarship Foundation.
Murphy, a Navy SEAL, was killed in 2005 in Afghanistan, attempting to take out Taliban forces. A best-selling book and movie, “Lone Survivor,” depicts the covert mission to neutralize a high-level al-Qaeda operative.
The event starts at 10 a.m. Monday, May 28th at Muncie CrossFit, 115 S. Walnut St. in downtown Muncie. More than 60 athletes from 7 years old to 70 are expected to participate. Register here to contribute to the challenge.
Muncie CrossFit been a part of this nationwide tradition since 2013 when it was titled Memorial Day Murph. “We have more than 50 people show up every year to sacrifice a small piece of their morning to reflect on those who sacrificed everything,” said Muncie CrossFit owner, B.J. McKay. “The Murph Challenge is about a community of people applying their fitness to connect to something bigger than themselves. It is not about if you can complete the workout.”
The workout includes a one-mile run, 100 pull ups, 200 pushups, and 300 air squats, all in a 20-pound weighted vest or body armor.
“The Murph is about coming along side of one another in remembrance of those who have died for us,” said Coach Ivy Oleson. “Doing Murph is a way to honor those soldiers by pushing ourselves physically and mentally.”
This workout was a favorite of Lt. Murphy’s.
McKay says don’t let the scope of this workout be intimidating. There are other levels available including a 400-meter walk, 25 ring-row pull ups, 50 modified pushups from a box, and 75 air squats to a comfortable depth.
“What matters is being present and working within your capacity,” said Coach Emily Martin. “To me, The Murph is something bigger than ourselves. It is about giving an hour of our time to honor those who give and have giving everything for us.”
Muncie CrossFit is a locally owned and operated CrossFit affiliate. The 7,000-square foot facility at 115 S. Walnut St. in historic downtown Muncie is run by a certified staff coaches, offering group, personal and youth training in general physical preparedness. The training includes a mixture of weightlifting, gymnastics, stretching, and cardiovascular exercises. Learn more at munciecrossfit.com
