HILL AIR FORCE BASE, Utah — More than 30 reservists from the 419th Fighter Wing participated in the Murph Challenge June 1 to honor those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice. This marks the third year the wing has held the challenge.

The Murph Challenge is named after Lt. Mike “Murph” Murphy, a Navy SEAL killed in action during Operation Red Wings. Traditionally held on Memorial Day, the challenge consists of a one-mile run, followed by 100 pull-ups, 200 pushups, 300 air squats, and another one-mile run.

Before the challenge, Senior Master Sgt. Justin Adams from the 67th Aerial Port Squadron, who headed up the effort, read Murphy’s official citation from George W. Bush aloud. Staff Sgt. Zachary Nicholas, a reservist in the 419th Force Support Squadron and head coach of Warbird CrossFit, spoke of the meaning behind the challenge.

“Remember when you are out there and you start to feel the pain, someone died so you can feel that,” Nicholas said. “When it starts to burn, lean into it, embrace it, because you choose to be here and feel that pain as a small way to honor our fallen brothers and sisters.”

This year is the first time the challenge allowed teams to participate alongside individuals.

“Much like Mike Murphy himself, it’s not so much about the singular person, it’s about the team effort,” Nicholas said. “Adding teams takes away the fear factor, because it’s not just you, it’s you and your buddy against the world.”

All participants successfully completed the challenge.