31 Heroes at Crossfit The Rack

by: Team Vpx Sports

Monday, 06 August 2011, the crew and passengers of EXTORTION 17, a CH-47 Chinook, were shot down over Tangi, Afghanistan. They were hit by a rocket propelled grenade down during an insertion mission, tasked assist members of the 75th Rangers, who were pinned down by enemy fire. The entire flight crew plus the special forces operators on board (inclusive of one service dog) numbered 31.

Shortly thereafter, a charity workout was organized through Crossfit affiliates, called 31 Heroes, to raise funds for the families of the fallen warriors. In that first year, ten thousand people participated, and roughly $300,000 was collected, all of which was given directly to the families. The event was turned into an annual fundraiser to benefit the surviving families of military heroes, and officially named The 31 Heroes Project.

Today marks the one year anniversary of the day EXTORTION 17 was shot down, and this past weekend marks the second 31 Heroes workout/fundraiser at Crossfit boxes around the nation. The workout lasts 31 minutes and the rep scheme is 8/6/11 - the date the heroes were killed.

The 31 Heroes workout:
AMRAP 31 minutes (As Many Reps As Possible in 31 Minutes)

8 Thrusters (155/105#)
6 Rope Climbs (15 ft. ascent)
11 Box Jumps (30/24″)

This is a Partner WOD – Partner #1 will perform the work listed above. Partner #2 will run 400m with a sandbag (45/25). Once Partner #2 returns from the run, Partner #1 will grab the sandbag and begin their 400m, while Partner #2 continues work wherever #1 left off.

The following photos of the workout were provided by VPX Sports author Dan Sullivan, from the workout performed at his Box, Crossfit The Rack, of Paramus, New Jersey. If you're interested in sponsoring, hosting, or participating next year, simply click the appropriate hyperlink above.