Is REDMAN associated with the worldwide series of Ironman races? NO. The Ironman North America Corporation is a private entity that produces and licenses the use of the name Ironman to produce iron-distance triathlon events around the globe. Events with ‘Ironman’ in the title are licensed by Ironman North America corporation, while the term ‘iron-distance’ is a generic term used to describe the standardized competitive distances of 2.4 mile swim – 112-mile bike and 26.2 mile run of an iron-distance triathlon.

The REDMAN Triathlon is an iron distance, half-iron distance, and Aquabike event, and is a private entity owned by Redman Triathlon, Inc.

When is the entry deadline?
The deadline to enter the event will be September 1, 2008 @ 12:01am.

What is the cutoff number for entries?
REDMAN will accept the first 700 entrants.

Requirements for entrants: You must have (if USAT licensed) a photo ID and current license to pick up your packet! ABSOLUTELY NO EXCEPTIONS! NO ID NO PACKET!!

You cannot pickup another entrant’s packet!

No team member can pick up another’s packet or pay the 1 day fee or produce the USAT license for inclusion.

What are the entry fees?
You must be USAT member OR pay one day $10 license fee. This includes each team member at $10 per participant.

FEES – Click Here

Can I transfer my entry to another athlete if I choose not to race?
No. You may NOT transfer your race entry to another athlete. Any athlete attempting to race under the name of another athlete will be disqualified, and no refunds will be issued. For liability insurance purposes and to ensure the safety of all athletes, REDMAN Triathlon must have accurate personal information for every athlete.

What lodging accommodations are available near the event?
See Accommodations link in the sub-navigation bar under the Athletes section.

What is your plan for event photography?
REDMAN has yet to assign the photography rights for the 2008 event. We have been in large part unhappy with the situation to this point, and will give it thoughtful consideration before choosing the 2008 photographer.

What are the cutoff times on the course?
Due to restrictions of municipal permits, race insurance, volunteer staffing and the danger of cycling in darkness, all participants must remain on pace to complete REDMAN in 17 hours.

Exact cut off times and locations are as follows:

Swim 2.4 miles / 3.8km The swim cut off time is 2 hours, 30 minutes after the race start at 7:15am.

Bike 112 miles / 180km The bike course cutoff time is 5:45pm, 10 hours, 30 minutes after the race start. At that time you will be able to finish your bike portion but will have to adhere to all traffic laws that any moving vehicle is subject to. Redman Triathlon, Inc. will not be held responsible for your safety after the cutoff time.

Run 26.2 miles / 42km The run course will close at 12:15am, 17 hours after the race start. If you choose to continue on the course, you are proceeding at your own risk.  The REDMAN event is not responsible for your safety or your aid.

SWIM

Is this a mass start race?
Per tradition in iron-distance events worldwide, the REDMAN Iron-Distance Athletes will all start together. The Half-Distance and Aquabike Athletes will launch in waves 2,3 and 4. To create the safest swimming environment and to appropriately keep track of athletes, each wave will "stage" in a pre-swim corral. As your wave color is called, you will move into the chute and prepare for your swim there. Each athlete will be allowed to enter the water only after crossing the chip/timing mat at the water entry.  You will assemble in the water between a set of start buoys in the lake so there will be plenty of room to avoid disturbance from other swimmers fighting for position. Slower swimmers may choose to start in the rear to avoid disturbance from attempted passing early in the swim.

What is the swim course like?
The 2008 swim course will be a looped course that will parallel the shoreline and will be visible to athlete support groups and the event staff.

What is the expected water temperature at Lake Hefner?

The estimated race day temperature is 75-78 degrees. The main variable is the summer air temperatures in Oklahoma City. There is no outflow from the lake except for municipal water usage. Lake Hefner draws its water from another lake in the area.

Is there any current in the water?
There is no current in Lake Hefner.

What are the considerations for a swimmer who gets in trouble during the event?
You will be escorted/supervised throughout the swim by a series of lifeguards on/in various craft that each cover a particular section of the course. Also in the water at the exterior and interior of the course will be roving kayaks. In addition, jet skis and a power boat will be available if quick evacuation is necessary.

An ambulance will be standing by in the immediate vicinity of the event throughout the day and night. If you encounter any difficulty, raise your hand and a lifeguard/kayaker will paddle to you for assistance. You can hang on the side of the paddleboard to catch your breath without penalty. The event medical staff will be in contact with the water support personnel to be abreast of any emergency that might possibly occur.

BIKE

What is the road surface like?
The road surface on the bike course will consist of the normal asphalt or "chip and seal" surface.

How severe is the climbing?
This event is advertised as a rolling hill - fast course. It will not include any significant climbs. The elevation gain from transition to the bike turnaround is 7 feet. The most significant single elevation gain is approximately 20 feet.

What is the traffic control plan?
We have been able to coordinate with the Oklahoma City Police Dept. to provide adequate support at all major intersections. The other areas will be manned by volunteers. Once outside the city limits the Oklahoma and Canadian County Sheriff Departments as well as the Piedmont Police Department will patrol the course and finish line area.

What is the location and content of the bike course aid stations?
Bike Aid Station 1 (BAS-1) will contain a fully stocked aide station as well as a bike maintenance area and special needs bag storage area. This aid station is located approximately 1/4 mile into the course after the iron-distance mid-course bike turnaround (located near transition).Bike Aide Stations  (BAS-2E, BAS-2W, BAS-3N, BAS-3S and BAS-4) located approximately 10 miles apart will have Clif Shot Blocks, Hammer Gels, Hammer Endurolytes, Lemon-Lime Gatorade Endurance Formula and of course plenty of water, bananas, etc. In addition each of these aide stations will include a "Porta-Potty" as well as trash and recyclable containers. Please refer to the bike course map for the logistics of the aid stations.

Can I utilize a special needs bag on the bike?
You will also have the opportunity to have a bike special needs bag to be located at Bike Aide Station 1 (See above paragraph for more information). Your bike course special needs bag will be included in your race registration bag. Fill it with desired items, taking care to select items that are durable for transport. You will turn in your bag the day before the race at bike check-in.

As a courtesy to the volunteers we strongly encourage you to make Friday gear check in a priority, however gear bags may also be checked in between 5-6:30 am on Saturday. Upon closure of the bike course, bike special needs bags will be transported to the Gear Claim Area located in the SE corner of the transition area.  Every effort will be made to gather personal items on each course. Any remaining personal items will be available in the Gear Claim Area on Saturday and then again on Sunday morning. Any unclaimed items after noon on Sunday will be considered forfeited property.

Have arrangements been made if I’d like to ship my bike to the event?

We will again partner with Sports Express for athlete bike and gear shipments. Visit the following link, and check out their quality options and reasonable pricing.

http://www.sportsexpress.com/Affiliate/Redir.asp?aid= {D1821994-C046-41BB-B8E4-0DD31AC524B2}

Be sure to paste in the whole link if it does not appear here as hypertext or a link within your browser. In addition, the promotional code for our event is "redman"

One of our exceptional local bike shops, Bicycle Alley has been designated as the shop to receive and rebuild athlete bikes before the race. Although you will be responsible for the shipment of your bike (Sports Express), you may ship the bike to:

These shop crews will accept, unpack, re-assemble and perform a standard tune-up (no additional parts) for $30.

Please give them a call before shipping the bike, so that they can prepare for the arrival of your bike.

Bicycle Alley phone number: 405-601-5505

Is there a bike shop nearby?
Our Bike Shop Sponsor Schlegel Bicycles will be on-site for the expo as well as providing bike mechanics during registration and bike check-in on Friday and for last minute maintenance on race day.   If you arrive earlier you may visit one of the fine Schlegel shops. For location and phone number visit, www.schlegelbicycles.com

RUN

What are the locations and contents of the aid stations?
Basic medical supplies including a first aid kit, Tylenol, ibuprofen, Vaseline, etc will be at each aid station. Each station will also have at least one port-a-potty.  Basic food supplies will also be available at each station, those supplies include Lemon-Lime Endurance Formula Gatorade, water, Clif Bloks, Hammer Gels, Hammer Endurolytes, potatoes, salt, etc.  Please refer to the run course map for the logistics of the aid stations.

Can I utilize a special needs bag on the run?
You will also have the opportunity to have a special needs bag transported to the run course, approximately at the halfway point at mile 13. Your run course special needs bag will be included in your race registration bag. Fill it with desired items, taking care to select items that are durable for transport (avoid bananas or other delicate items). Consider warm garments for running in declining evening temperatures. You will turn in your bag the day before the race at bike check-in. As a courtesy to the volunteers we strongly encourage you to make Friday gear check in a priority, however gear bags may also be checked in between 5-6:30 am on Saturday. You will retrieve your run special needs bag adjacent to the transition area at the 13-mile mark of the run. You may have to retrieve the bag yourself if the area is congested with athletes.. Upon closure of the run course, run special needs bags will be transported to the Gear Claim Area located in the SE corner of the transition area.  Every effort will be made to gather personal items on each course. Any remaining personal items will be available in the Gear Claim Area on Saturday and then again on Sunday morning. Any unclaimed items after noon on Sunday will be considered forfeited property.

Where is a good place for my family/friends to watch the run?
The run makes two loops so savvy spectators can easily view runners at four different points by taking advantage of a quick trip in the car to the far end of the run course. Details will be provided at packet pickup.

Will there be auto, bicycle or pedestrian traffic on the course?
The lake will be closed to recreational boating, swimming and other craft for the event. The bike course will be closed to vehicle traffic along the Hefner Dam road. Detailed traffic control plan is discussed in the bike FAQ's. The bike trail will be closed to all pedestrian and bicycle traffic for the duration of the event. You will share the trail only with fellow REDMAN run competitors.

REGISTRATION

Do I have to qualify to enter the event?
No.

Do I get a refund if I can't race?
If you wish to withdraw your entry, you must notify REDMAN Triathlon in writing via land mail. If you withdraw before March 20th, 2008, you will receive a refund not to exceed 25% of your registration fee. Thoughtful consideration goes into this policy. As athletes we do understand injury and  life circumstances and how they influence, sometimes negatively, our best laid plans. However, the costs of the event do not subside or change significantly with a withdrawal. Because of the enormous costs associated with the production of an event of the caliber and scope of the  REDMAN Triathlon we are unable to grant refunds.

We do appreciate your understanding,  look forward to  your participation in the event, and hope that you give the same thoughtful consideration of the event before signing up.

AWARDS

Age Group awards will go three deep, male and female, in the following categories:

15-19 (signed parental consent for those under 18)
20-24
25-29
30-34
35-39
40-44
45-49
50-54
55-59
60-64
65-69
70-74
Physically Challenged**

Awards will also go three deep in the following categories:

Overall Male and Female
AquaBike
Clydesdale (male over 200lbs)
Athena (female over 160lbs)
Relays: Coed, All Male, All Female

**Physically Challenged division
Those not eligible for the hand cycle division will compete in the physically challenged division. All entrants must have completed a half-iron distance or greater event prior to REDMAN .

Type of awards to be announced. All age division winners must be present at the awards ceremony to receive their awards.

PRE-RACE

Can I practice on the REDMAN courses prior to the event?
There will be 2 practice swims prior to the event. (See the event schedule) You will be able to bike the outer portion of the bike course (north of Memorial Rd.) at any time prior to the race. The run course will be a closed course and will be open for running at any time.

TRAINING

What is the average training volume of an iron-distance event participant?
A survey of Hawaii Ironman entrants in 2000 indicated average weekly training volumes of 11,300 meters swimming, 232 miles cycling and 48 miles running. This is a substantial training load for someone with a career, family or other responsibilities. While there is a vast difference of opinion on how to best prepare for an event as daunting as REDMAN, there are some important training guidelines that are universal for all athletes.
1. You must approximate the challenge of the event in training
2. You must avoid overtraining, burnout; injury and illness to have a successful event
These two tenets seem mutually exclusive! Indeed it is a difficult balance to prepare your body for a full-day event and not get overtired in training.

Where can I get some expert advice and guidance for how to prepare properly for REDMAN?
REDMAN sincerely desires that you are well-trained for the event and enjoy the preparation process as the main benefit of your entire experience. Consider the event one big party to celebrate your commitment and devotion to a healthy, fit lifestyle. Race hard and enjoy yourself regardless of the result! In order to enjoy yourself fully, it is highly recommended that you work with a coach or group of Triathletes during your training. There are many excellent triathlon coaches that coach athletes remotely – their advertisements can be seen in publications like Triathlete and Inside Triathlon magazine.