In Middletown, a Marine recruiting substation celebrated the corps' 243rd birthday with some Marine-worthy physical trials.

Future Marines braved the cold weather to do 243 burpees in as little time as possible. 

Young men and women challenged and encouraged each other to get to 243, as officers passed out waters and delivered pep talks. 

The substation's staff sergeant said challenges like these go a long way to helping these aspiring Marines.

"A lot of these young men and women have never actually put themselves to the test of physically doing something of this nature. It's good for them to come out here and see what they can do — to find their limits and push past it so they can take on the real world and tackle anything the real world has to throw at them," said Steven Zotz, staff sergeant and Marine recruiter.

The recruits who finished early motivated their fellow future Marines to keep going, ensuring everyone finished the challenge.