Getting fit for 31 heroes

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) - Gyms across Hampton Roads and the nation got together Saturday to get fit and  also to honor fallen servicemen.

The event was organized by the 31 Heroes Project. The group honors fallen soldiers through fitness and raises money for programs for the families of all fallen servicemen, according to their website.

Participants entered the event in pairs and performed a series of physical challenges. According to the organization's website, while one partner ran a 400 meter course with a sandbag around their neck, the other did a combination of rope climbing, thrust and jumping exercises over a 31 minute time period.

"We're trying to honor them in our own small way," said Ryan McNemar who participated in the event.

During last year's event, over 430 gyms nationwide participated and raised $300,000.