VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) — The firefighter combat challenge started back up again Saturday morning at Mount Trashmore.

The event started on Sunday and continued into Saturday. Firefighters from around the Hampton Road region, and other parts of the U.S. came out to show off their skills.

Organizers say there were more than 74 firefighters who participated, which is more than last year, and a number they hope to top next year.

Each firefighter participates in tasks for the competition that are similar to what they experience while fighting fires.

Dr.Paul Davis, the president and challenge founder, talked about the background of this event that has been going on for years.

“In a nutshell, it’s the only federall-funded university-based occupational physiology research study that became a touring and televised sport,” said Davis.

Chris Zach with the Virginia Beach Fire Department says,”I’ve been competing for six or seven years now, so I’m really starting to enjoy it. It really keeps me in shape for the job, which is really important.”

The tour will finish off after 15 stops with a national championship in Fort Pierce, Florida. Then they will have a world challenge championship in Alabama.