Fallen soldiers honored through fitness with the Murph Challenge

PANAMA CITY BEACH, Fla. (WJHG/WECP) – There are many ways to honor the brave men and women who lost their lives serving our country. One group of Panama City Beach locals participated in a fitness challenge to show their support.

Around the nation and here in Panama City Beach, cross fit junkies and military service members are honoring a fallen navy seal by the name of Lt. Michael P Murphy.

Murphy was killed in action in Afghanistan in 2005. So, to keep his name alive, service members created a workout in dedication to him.

Emerald Coast Cross Fit in Panama City Beach is one of the many gyms honoring his legacy for Memorial Day weekend. Saturday morning, the gym hosted its 11th annual “Murph” challenge.

Organizers say they plan this event every Memorial Day weekend.

The fitness challenge consists of:

• A one-mile run
• -100 pull-ups
• -200 pushups
• 300 squats
• Another mile run to complete the challenge

One military couple that completed the challenge said they came to show their support.

”We come here to honor him and to honor every fallen heroes, military members, service members, any person in uniform during Memorial Day.” said Jay Cox, A Retired Navy Master Diver. “So, we come here, spend an hour or two working hard and making sure we can remember our fallen heroes and the people who gave their lives for our freedom.”

“My brother is in the military. So, it kind of helps me give back when I can for all that they have done for us,” another challenge participant said.

Prior to his death, Lt. Murphy earned multiple awards in the military, including the highest U.S military decoration: the Medal of Honor.

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