UP athletes take on Murph Challenge for Memorial Day

MARQUETTE COUNTY, Mich. (WLUC) - Marquette County gym-goers pushed themselves physically and mentally to celebrate Memorial Day and honor fallen soldiers Monday morning.

On Monday, Matthew Nicely was one of the 60 gym-goers at Marquette’s Fit Body Boot Camp for the Murph Challenge. The challenge honors Lieutenant Micheal Murphy, a NAVY Seal who was killed in 2005 in Afghanistan and received the Medal of Honor.

“It’s a military-inspired workout,” Nicely said. “It starts with a one-mile walk or run. Then you go into gym, you do 100 pull-ups, 200 pushups, 300 squats. Break them up in to sets so it’s 20 sets of 5, 10, 15. Then you come back out and run one more mile.”

Marquette Fit Body Bootcamp Owner Sean Clements explained this was Lt. Murphy’s workout. He said this is another way to celebrate the holiday.

“I think the premise behind this is, the untraditional way to remember Memorial Day,” Clements said. “That’s by challenging yourself, getting out of your comfort zone and doing something hard.”

Crossfit 906 in Ishpeming also hosted the Murph Challenge on Monday. Owner Shay Korpi said the gym has been doing this for 15 years.

“We do it to push ourselves to our mental and physical capabilities,” Korpi said. “Also, just to meet as a group and do something healthy on today. Try to be a part of honoring these men and women.”

Nicely said this was his first year attempting the Murph Challenge. He said he’s ready to push himself further next year.

“Not that bad honestly,” Nicely said. “A lot of guys use weighted vests, 15, 20, 30 pounds on a vest. I did it with just body weight, so next year I think I have to strap a vest on.”

The challenge also raises funds for the Lieutenant Micheal P. Murphy Scholarship program.