MURPH MEMORIAL DAY CHALLENGE
Memorial Day Murph 2024: May 26th, 2024
EVENT HISTORY
Heading into its 11th year, the 2024 edition of the Memorial Day Challenge will return to the Viking Lakes campus on May 26th.
Memorial Day Challenge (MDC) is a nonprofit “Murph” supporting US Veterans. Originally founded in 2014, the event has previously been hosted by local gyms CrossFit SISU in Excelsior and FitHAUS in Wayzata. It’s historically been an outdoor event (held rain or shine), with sponsor tents, vendors, athlete tents, and room for plenty of spectators.
As MDC prepares to return to Viking Lakes in 2024, the event continues to expand its offerings for both athletes and spectators with 2024 to provide an even more family-friendly event including local vendors, food trucks, live music, and more.
THE WORKOUT
The “Murph” workout is a “Hero” WOD honoring the life of Lieutenant Michael Murphy from Patchogue, NY, who died serving in Afghanistan in 2005.
“Murph” (For Time)
One-mile run
100 pull-ups
200 push-ups
300 squats
One-mile run
**”Murph” is performed while wearing a 20lbs (9kg)/14lbs (6kg) weighted vest or body armor (Optional)
MDC seeks to provide an accessible platform for all athlete levels from beginners to elite to take on “Murph” as part of a community while supporting and honoring our country’s Veterans. Divisions include Elite, RX, Scaled, and Partner as well as a Kids Murph option and Kid/Parent Partner division.
“Murph” is highly scalable to allow individuals of all fitness levels to join the event. MDC provides a number of scaling options and equipment including rowers, bike ergs, bands, boxes, and youth pull-up bars.
The goal is that anyone and everyone can join the Memorial Day Challenge and complete the workout in their own way, surrounded by their friends and the community.
MDC also incorporates dedicated heats to spotlight our Veterans, First Responders, The Phoenix organization, and others.
CHARITABLE PARTNERSHIP
Since its first event in 2014, MDC has donated more than $145,000 to charities serving our veterans. These proceeds have gone to support US Veterans through Minnesota Military Foundation, Homes for Wounded Warriors, 23rd Veteran, Wounded Warrior Project, and MNFire.
In 2023, MDC raised $10,000 to support United Heroes League’s efforts to ensure that children of military service members are given every opportunity to participate in sports. UHL provides sports equipment, game tickets, cash grants, sports camps, and special experiences to military families across the U.S. & Canada.
For 2024, we are excited to once again partner with UHL to support the work they do for our Veterans and their families.
