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Washington Evening Journal
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Murph Challenge raises money with a workout
Southeast Iowa Union offers audio versions of articles using Instaread. Some words may be mispronounced.
MONTEZUMA — The third annual Murph Challenge drew nearly 100 participates to Montezuma’s west city park on Sunday, May 25 for a challenging workout and to make a difference.
The event is held in honor of Lt. Michael P. Murphy, a Navy Seal who was killed in Afghanistan in 2005.
The funds raised at the event are donated to the Michael Murphy Memorial Scholarship Foundation.
The local event is hosted by Jon Cheney and DJ Sutfin, two Marines and law enforcement officers. The Challenge is held annually on Memorial Day weekend in almost all 50 states and a number of countries.
According to murphchallenge.com, the event has raised more than $2 million plus for the memorial scholarship and in 2022, the Murphy Challenge fundraiser raised more than $300,000 to finalize construction on the LT Michael P. Murphy Navy Seal Museum/Sea Cadet Training Facility.
In 2023, the foundation awarded 40 scholarship totaling $200,000.
Participants of the challenge are asked to run one mile, complete 100 pullups, 200 pushups, 300 squats and then run a second mile.
Some participants wear a 20-pound vest during the event.
There are no trophies or awards handed out at the event. For Sutfin and Cheney, all the participants are winners.
“The main goal is to honor Michael Murphy, but also bring the community together,” said Sutfin.
Sutfin said people often sign up for the challenge with some not realizing they can finish it.
“After completing the course, they find out that they can do it,” said Sutfin.
The event drew many families, including children and participants of all skill levels.
The Montezuma High School wrestling program participated in this year’s challenge. When asked if this was like a wrestling workout, wrestler Braxton Plants said it depends on the day.
His dad, Mike, the head wrestling coach smiled and chuckled at his son’s comment.
“It’s a humbling experience,” said participant Carol Michalek.
“It’s definitely a gut check moment to see what you got in the tank,” noted one participant who has participated in all three Murph Challenges. “At the end of the day, it’s all about the camaraderie and having a good time for a good cause.”
“I like doing this,” said Owen Cook. “It’s nice doing this with other people. It makes the suffering easier.
“I think everyone needs to try it,” said Wes Pargeon. “It sets a person’s mind that you can do this.”
“I’m grateful that I get the opportunity to honor a fallen warrior and keep his memory alive,” said Cheney.
