Hero WOD Challenge | PF GUIDES

by PATHFINDER Ruck Training August 12, 2024

Purpose of the Challenge

Hero WODs (Workouts of the Day) are created to honor fallen members of the military, law enforcement, fire services, and first responders - individuals who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. Many Hero WODs also memorialize Medal of Honor recipients whose courage and sacrifice reflect the highest ideals of service.

First introduced in CrossFit around 2005, Hero WODs have become a powerful way for athletes around the world to remember and honor these heroes. Given PATHFINDER’s strong ties to the military and first responder communities, this Challenge is a natural and meaningful fit for our program.

The Hero WOD Challenge allows PATHFINDER rosters to complete a shared series of Hero WODs across each Class cycle. In the future, we also plan to create and feature our own PATHFINDER-specific Hero WODs in tribute to individuals from our own community.

If you would like to nominate a hero to be considered for a future PATHFINDER Hero WOD, please fill out this form.

Program Challenge Requirements

Life, Forward, Endure, Advanced: this is an approved Challenge for these PATHFINDER programs.

Advanced: OCALA, Compete, Horizon, Stirling: This is not a currently an approved Challenge.

How the Challenge Works

Each PATHFINDER Class cycle includes 12-14 scheduled Hero WODs, depending on the length of the Class. These WODs are published by PATHFINDER at the start of the cycle and are chosen to reflect a range of movements, intensities, and hero stories.

You may complete the Hero WODs in any order, but all scheduled Hero WODs for your Class must be completed to earn Challenge credit.
Log each workout individually with the Hero WOD name included in the notes section.
Do not select the “Hero WOD Challenge” as complete in your Challenge dropdown until all required workouts are done.

Can I Substitute a Different Hero WOD?

Yes. Hero WODs completed outside of the PATHFINDER-published list can now count toward this Challenge, as long as they meet one of the following criteria:

Completed at an official CrossFit affiliate
Completed at a GORUCK event
Completed with a recognized fitness group (e.g., ruck clubs, training groups, or organized community workouts)
Completed solo with clear intent and logged properly

What matters most is that the WOD is a recognized Hero WOD and performed with focus and respect.

To receive credit:

Log the name of the Hero WOD
Include where or with whom you completed it in the Notes section of your log

Example:
If you complete “Murph” with your local ruck club, it counts. If your exercise group does a Hero WOD not listed in the current PATHFINDER cycle, that now counts too.

We want this Challenge to reflect the spirit of honoring heroes through effort and community, not box-checking. Ruck up, show up, and log it with pride.

Can I Nominate a Hero for a Future WOD?

Absolutely. PATHFINDER is honored to share the stories of your heroes.
To submit a Hero for consideration, please use this form to submit their information. While we’ll do our best to include as many submissions as possible, please note that your Hero WOD may be scheduled for a future Class cycle depending on volume and scheduling considerations.

Challenge Safety & Restrictions

Always carry a basic first aid kit.
Ruck safely. Share your route and estimated return time with someone who can assist in an emergency.
Obey all laws. Do not trespass. If unsure about access to any facility, consult management for permission.
You assume all risks. PATHFINDER is not liable for any injury, damage, or death resulting from participation in its programming.