Hundreds of firefighters from across the state gathered in Myrtle Beach Friday for a competition at Broadway at the Beach.

The Firefighter Combat Challenge is five different stages. It's a race against the clock. Start with a stair climb up five stories, then on to forcible entry, hose hoist, run through an obstacle course, and finish with a dummy drag. And you have to put on a heavy fire suit with an air-pak breathing apparatus and compete with a heat index that topped out at 96 degrees.

"Our training is strict. We workout Monday through Friday. Whenever we all get together, we train for about two hours," said Aaron Windsor with Horry County Fire Rescue.

More than 2,000 turned out to watch some of the physical demands of real-life firefighters.

"A lot of the guys that are really successful at this are actually athletes who happen to be firefighters. The majority of us are really just firemen that train hard," said Mark Hankins with the St. John's Fire Department.

Mike Medeiros is an elite athlete. He's won this combat challenge multiple times. "You've got firefighters who train all year around for these events. It obviously showcases the job and fitness in their departments. We're doing it for that purpose," said Medeiros.

Then there's the rivalry aspect. Sure these firefighters save lives during the year, but this competition is different.

"They really get into it. It's their time to shine. You're on a statewide platform here in Myrtle Beach," said Lugoff Fire Chief Dennis Ray.

This exhibition is a tune-up for some who will move on to the world challenge in Myrtle Beach in November.

The combat challenge was held as part of the South Carolina Firefighter's Convention held this week in Myrtle Beach.

It will wrap up Saturday morning with a fallen firefighter memorial service at the Convention Center.