
What is Murph Workout, Memorial Day Fitness Challenge?
The Murph Workout is a task that involves running one mile, doing 100 pull-ups, 200 push-ups, 300 body weight squats, and running another mile while wearing a weighted vest.
An anniversary observed in the United States on the last Monday of May each year honors US military personnel who died while serving in the country’s military. Visiting monuments and cemeteries is one way to honor a fallen hero. There are people around the world who also do high-intensity Murph workouts and Murph challenges.
Started by CrossFit as a “hero workout” in 2005, the Murph Workout was created in commemoration of Michael Murphy, Li, in the Navy in Patchigue, New York. He was killed in Afghanistan, 28 June 2005, at age 29.
According to the official CrossFit website, the Murph phenomenon on Memorial Day came into being organically within the community before it was considered “hero training.”
“This workout was one of Mike’s favorites, and he called it “Body Armor.” From now on, we will be called “Murph” in honor of the focused warriors and great Americans who have wanted nothing more in life than serving this great nation and the beautiful people who make it.” Read the description of the Murph Workout.

What will Murph workout be?
Murph Workouts challenge people to do a series of exercises that are repeated. According to CrossFit, this includes:
1. Run 1 mile
2. 100 pull-up
3. 200 Push Ups
4. 300 squats
5. Run 1 mile
What makes this even more challenging is to do it all while wearing a weighted vest or body armor of around 20 pounds (9 kg).
Who was Lieutenant Colonel Michael Murphy?
Li, Michael Murphy, was a member of the Seal team that fought bravely during Operation Red Wings in Afghanistan in 2005. He was part of a surgery to scout terrorists in the mountains along with three other officers.
Locals gave up their place to the Taliban, and the four soldiers fell above the number on the battlefield. They fought strong, three of whom succumbed to injuries. Throughout Murphy, he found a signal to seek help from his men and was exposed to establish contact and put his life at risk.
The story of this operation is also told in the Solitary Survivor in the form of books and films.
When will the Murph Challenge take place?
The Murph Challenge takes place every year on Memorial Day. The Murph Challenge 2025 marks the 20th anniversary of Operation Red Wings.
“The Murph Challenge is not just a physical test, it’s also a mental and emotional test. Participants are pushed to their limits and are encouraged to continue to push pain and fatigue, as Li during Murphy did in her last moments,” reads the official website of LT. Michael P. Murphy Memorial Scholarship Foundation.
How do I do a Murphy workout?
Whether you’re professional, intermediate or beginner, you can take on the Murphy Challenge at your individual level of fitness.
If you are an expert, here is how CrossFit suggests completing the assignment:
Running 1 mile
100 pull-ups
200 push-ups
300 Air Squats
Running 1 mile
Partition pull-ups, push-ups and squats as needed. If you have a 14/20 pound vest or body armor, wear it.
If you are at intermediate level:
Running 1 mile
50 pull-ups
100 push-ups
150 Air Squats
Running 1 mile
Partitioner if necessary. The second run will begin by 25:00.
If you’re only at the beginner level, warm up to the challenge with this set:
800m driving
Then, 10 rounds:
5 ring row
10 push-ups (he lifted his hands from his knees or on the box)
15 Air Squats
800m driving
The second run will begin by 8:00 PM.