Only Man We Know Who Enjoys Burpees Going Well in 9/11 Tribute

Most of us would rather walk barefoot across Lego than do a single burpee, but Adam Boyd is built different.

The Douglas firefighter is spending his entire shift today (Thursday, September 11) throwing himself up and down outside the station on Peel Road, and he says he’s enjoying it. Yes, really.

Adam is attempting 2,977 burpees in total, one for every life lost in the September 11 attacks in 2001, including 343 firefighters, paramedics and first responders.

It’s a mammoth challenge, but speaking an hour in, he reckons it’s going well so far.

‘I’ve always liked burpees,’ Adam told Gef (the only human we’ve ever met to make such a claim). ‘It’s even better to be putting them into a good cause.’

The effort is both a tribute and a fundraiser, with money going to The Fire Fighters Charity and Heroes on the Water.

‘This is not about me,’ Adam explained, pausing only briefly between up-down-up-downs. ‘It’s about honouring the memory of those we lost. Every drop of sweat is a small tribute to their immense courage.’

Adam admits the whole thing is ‘equal parts meaningful and slightly unhinged’, but he’s urging islanders to get behind the cause, or at least get behind him with a bottle of Lucozade and a towel.

‘If you can, please donate, every pound counts, and every burpee will be powered by your generosity (and possibly regret),’ he said. ‘Let’s make this day one of remembrance, respect, and just enough sweat to fill a small paddling pool.’

Donations can be made via Adam’s fundraising page at: www.peoplesfundraising.com/…/adam-burpee-challenge.