Over 70 people were challenged to complete 412 reps today on the new sports court surface at the SLS Centre to remember the fallen first responders in the 9/11 attack on the World Trade Centre.
What began nine years ago as a handful of people coming together to workout in memory of the 343 firefighters who perished on Sept. 11, 2001, has grown into a community-wide initiative.
Firefighter Jeremie Hoult, who started the workout with fellow firefighter Geoff Dommett, is thrilled that so many Cochranites have joined the workout over the years. Even if they are unable to complete all 412, it's the thought that counts.
"It seems to get bigger every year," says Hoult. "It's nice to see people want come and do a memorial workout with us. It's not really about the workout, it's what the workout represents."
READ MORE: Remembering fallen of 9/11 with annual workout
Dommett was there at the beginning and has only missed one due to a wedding.
"It went from almost nobody coming until now." says Dommett. "We have boot camps coming and there's a lot more firefighters."
That include Cochrane Fire, who brought along a town pumper for the traditional group shot taken in advance of the workout.
"Everyone remembers where they were when the news came in," says Dommett. "I was in high school and my dad told me, 'Hey, you better watch this.' It was something he'd never said before."
The workout was originally 343 burpees before expanded to include 412 exercises, one for each courageous first responders who gave their lives at 9/11.
Hoult and Dommett continue to do 343 burpees on Sept. 11 in addition to this workout.
Hoult admits it's getting harder to complete the workout as time goes by, but it will continue for many years to come.
Cochrane firefighter Logan Arns was participating for the third year, and it's the second time his young daughter Cohan has joined in.
Stephanie Marrello, SLS Centre fitness programs coordinator, says it's the first major event on the new flooring.
"Our brand-new sport court floor is a beautiful fitness rubberized surface and then there is a poured specific sport conditioning floor over top, so it's extra cushioning, anti-slip, it's very, very soft and very nice," says Marrello.
