Americans across the country honor a fallen Navy SEAL this Memorial Day Weekend by enduring a grueling fitness challenge that captures the essence of sacrifice and service.
At a Glance
- The “Murph Challenge” honors Navy SEAL Lt. Michael Murphy, who was killed in Afghanistan in 2005 and posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor
- The workout consists of a 1-mile run, 100 pullups, 200 pushups, 300 squats, and another 1-mile run, typically performed with a 20-pound vest
- Nearly 350 participants gathered at the LT Michael P. Murphy Navy SEAL Museum in Sayville for this year’s challenge
- The annual event has become a national tradition that raises funds for military charities and the Murphy Memorial Scholarship Foundation
A Warrior’s Legacy
Memorial Day Weekend brings more than just barbecues and retail sales for thousands of Americans who choose to honor fallen heroes through sweat and determination. The Murph Challenge, named after Navy SEAL Lt. Michael Murphy who made the ultimate sacrifice in Afghanistan in 2005, has become a patriotic tradition that embodies the values of service, sacrifice, and brotherhood. Murphy, a Patchogue native who was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor, demonstrated extraordinary heroism during Operation Red Wings when he exposed himself to enemy fire to call for help for his team, a selfless act that cost him his life.
The challenge itself is as demanding as the men and women it honors. Participants complete a one-mile run, followed by 100 pull-ups, 200 push-ups, and 300 air squats, before finishing with another mile run. Many add a 20-pound weighted vest to further emulate the conditions faced by soldiers in combat. Despite its difficulty, the workout can be adapted for various fitness levels, making it accessible to anyone wishing to pay tribute to fallen heroes, regardless of their physical capabilities.
Growing National Tradition
What began as a small tribute has evolved into a nationwide phenomenon. This year’s event at the LT Michael P. Murphy Navy SEAL Museum in Sayville saw nearly 350 participants, including military members and Long Island residents. The museum, which opened in 2022, has become a focal point for the annual challenge, with participation growing each year. Daniel and Maureen Murphy, Michael’s parents, remain actively involved in the museum and the Memorial Day Weekend event, ensuring their son’s legacy continues to inspire future generations.
Dr. Josh Appel, who initiated the Memorial Day Murph tradition, emphasized that the challenge is meant to be difficult – a physical reminder of the sacrifices made by servicemembers. Beyond being a fitness event, the Murph Challenge has become a significant fundraiser for military charities and the LT Michael P. Murphy Memorial Scholarship Foundation. Its inclusion in the CrossFit Games further highlights both its physical demands and its meaningful purpose in commemorating fallen heroes.
Inspiring Stories of Determination
The challenge has inspired remarkable demonstrations of perseverance. Among this year’s participants was 16-year-old Finn Schiavone, who completed the challenge despite being paralyzed from a wrestling accident. Schiavone’s determination exemplifies the spirit of the event – overcoming seemingly impossible obstacles through grit and resolve. The teenager, who aspires to join the Naval Academy and become a SEAL himself, found motivation in the support of the Murphy family and the legacy of Lt. Murphy.
“I know if Mike were down here, we’d be right next to each other, pushing ourselves, seeing who could win” said Larsen.
Former Navy SEAL Kaj Larsen’s words capture the camaraderie and competitive spirit that defined Murphy and continues through the challenge. Those who knew Murphy describe him as someone who always put his team first. His father Dan recalls a telling childhood story: “When Michael was two years old, he saw our neighbor’s pool. He ran up to it, didn’t even look, and just jumped in.” This fearlessness and natural ability foreshadowed the extraordinary man he would become – one whose legacy now inspires thousands across America each Memorial Day to push their limits in remembrance of those who gave everything.
