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 ("Full") 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 ("Full") triathlon.

The REDMAN Triathlon is a Full Distance, Half 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 August 15th, 2009 @ 12:01am (CDT).

What is the cutoff number for entries?
For 2009, REDMAN will accept the first 25 entrants in each of both the Full and Half Aquabike, the first 150 entrants (including individual team members) for the Full Distance Triathlon, the first 250 entrants for the General Entry slots for the Half Distance Triathlon, the first 550 qualifying entrants for the Halfmax Championship Triathlon (USAT/Halfmax Long Course National Championships) for the Saturday races.

(See www.halfmaxchampionship.com for Halfmax Championship qualifying details, also be aware that all qualifiers will have been contacted by the folks at Ultramax)

In addition, 1000 total slots will be open for the Sprint and Olympic Distance Triathlons as part of the 2009 USAT Club National Championships to be held on Sunday.

( Competitors in the Sprint and Olympic distance events DO NOT  have to be members of a USAT Club. The event will be scored as the USAT Club National Championship but it is open to general entry.  See www.usatriathlon.org site for complete Club Championship information and roster
submission deadlines. )

To whom do the following FAQ's apply?
Although a significant amount of the information below pertains to the Full and Half Distance triathletes, general USAT rules and REDMAN specific details often apply to all of the 2009 races. Where necessary or appropriate we have included additional comments pertaining to the Sprint and Oly athletes. Information regarding Team USA appear after the awards section on this page.

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 is proud to announce that we have chosen a photographer for the 2009 event. A professional photographer from our own ranks will be handling the pics this year! James Randell Photography will be the vendor for this years athlete pictures! You can expect a quick and quality response form James and his crew!

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 Full Distance events worldwide, the REDMAN Iron-Distance Athletes will all start together, the Aquabike/Full athletes will also launch with this first wave. The Half-Distance and Aquabike/Half athletes will launch in waves 2,3, and 4. As an added safety measure we now include a 5th wave. Wave 5 will consist of athletes that are new to triathlon, or who may classify themselves as beginners. 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.

Wave start plans for the Sprint and Oly races will be announced at the pre-race meetings.

What is the swim course like?
The 2009 swim course will be a looped course that will parallel the shoreline and will be visible to athlete support groups and the event staff.    Athletes competing in the Half distance will complete one loop, while the Full distance athletes will complete two loops of the same course.

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.

Have arrangements been made if I don't have a wetsuit but would like to use one during the event?

We will partner with Speed For Rent this year in efforts to provide athletes that may not already own a wetsuit an opportunity to rent one for the event. Visit them at www.speedforrent.com/ and check out their quality suits and make arrangements to pick up your reserved suit at the race site.

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 are the bike courses and road surfaces like?
Please see the course map for the actual route of the bike course. Please note that the full distance course consists of two complete loops of the half distance course, and loops very near the transition area. 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 are the locations and contents of the bike course aid stations?
Bike Aid Station 1 (BAS-1) will contain a fully stocked aid 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 full distance mid-course bike turnaround (located near transition). Bike Aid Stations  (BAS-2E, BAS-2W, BAS-3N, BAS-3S and BAS-4) located approximately 10 miles apart will have Hammer Gels, Hammer Endurolytes, Lemon-Lime Gatorade Endurance Formula and of course plenty of water, bananas, etc. In addition each of these aid 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.

Sprint and Oly courses will be held completely on the Lake Hefner property and will offer the same products and will be dispersed among a generously appropriate number of aid stations along the "shortened" courses. 

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 Aid 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 them at www.sportsexpress.com/ and check out their quality options and reasonable pricing.

Use the promotional code: REDMAN when placing your order for shipping and receive a 15% discount. Have questions about how the whole shipping thing works? Give them a call at: 800-357-4174.

One of our exceptional local bike shops, Schlegel 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:

This exceptional shop will accept, unpack, re-assemble and perform a standard tune-up (no additional parts) for $70.

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

Schlegel Bicycles phone number: 405-232-4040

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 but are certainly not limited to Lemon-Lime Endurance Formula Gatorade, water, Hammer Gels, Hammer Endurolytes, potatoes, salt, etc.  Please refer to the run course map for the logistics of the aid stations. (Modified course maps will be available as of 08/01/09)

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 full distance athletes will complete 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.

Due to the speed and flurry of activity common to the Sprint and Oly distances, spectators will be best served by observing the excitement at the large race transition area.

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 all events. You will share the trail only with fellow REDMAN run competitors.

REGISTRATION

Do I have to qualify to enter the event?
The typical answer for our event is "NO". However, our 2009 event is a different animal. As per the typical, no qualification is necessary for the Aquabike, Full of Halfmax Championship "General Entry" spots. However, as part of the Redman's participation in the USAT/Halfmax Long Course National Championships and the USAT Club National Championships athlete's wishing to enter the "Qualifying Halfmax" spots must have qualified (finished in the top 33% of their age group at one of the selected qualifying events, or the top 44% of their age group in one of 3 "super-qualifying" events, or have met a qualifying time at a non-qualifying event.) 

Only qualifying athletes are eligible for the World Championship Slots. General Entry athlete's ARE NOT ELIGIBLE for the World Championship slots. See the full Halfmax Championship qualifying details at www.halfmaxchampionship.com, also be aware that all qualifiers will have been contacted by the folks at Ultramax

Competitors in the Sprint and Olympic distance events DO NOT  have to be members of a USAT Club. The event will be scored as the USAT Club National Championship but it is open to general entry.  See www.usatriathlon.org site for complete Club Championship information and roster
submission deadlines.

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 19th, 2009, 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
Masters 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 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.

Team USA

Team USA FAQ's

What is Team USA?

Team USA was created by USA Triathlon to be a team of age group/amateurs who will best represent the United States and compete in the International Triathlon Union's (ITU) world championships, which attracts the best athletes representing over 50 countries each year. Team USA World championship teams are fielded for:

• Short Course (Olympic) triathlon (1.5K swim, 40K bike, 10K run)
• Long course triathlon (2X Olympic distance)
• Sprint distance triathlon (1/2 Olympic distance)
• Short course duathlon (10K run, 40K bike, 5K run)
• Long course duathlon (18k run, 74k bike, 9k run)
• Aquathlon (2.5K run, 1K swim, and 2.5K run)
• Winter triathlon (distances based on the location - disciplines: trail run, mountain bike, cross country ski)

Qualifiers exist for all but the winter triathlon.  

Athletes qualifying for the team have the right of first refusal to accept or deny the Team USA slot.

Who can qualify?

All athletes eligible to represent the United States must:

• Be a U.S. citizen

               OR

• Be a U.S. national - someone who has resided in the US for three consecutive years and has not competed for their country of citizenship in the prior year.

*Athletes who choose to be recognized as nationals who have competed for their country of citizenship in the last year may get dispensation by obtaining a letter from the NGB of their home country allowing competition as a US athlete.

All members of Team USA must be current USAT annual members on the day they plan to qualify.

How does an individual qualify?

For a list of qualifying races, go to www.teamusatriathlon.org or www.teamusaduathlon.org

If I qualified for Team USA this year, do I automatically have a slot on Team USA next year?

No, you do not automatically qualify for Team USA next year. However, if you were on Team USA this year, you do automatically qualify for nationals next year (which in turn will qualify you for worlds if you place in the top 16 in your age group).

On the other hand, if you win your age group at a World Championship race, you automatically qualify for that same race the following year. For example, if you win your age group at 2009 Long Course Tri World Championships, you automatically qualify for 20010 Long Course Tri World Championships.

How many athletes are on Team USA?

Between 16 and 18 members per age group, depending on the event, make up Team USA. Age groups are fielded in five-year increments up to 90 years of age.

How long is an athlete eligible for Team USA once they are on the team?

Athletes are current Team USA members up through the completion of the world championship event they qualified for and competed at.

Are athletes required to be members of USAT if they are part of Team USA?

Yes. All athletes are required to be annual members of USA Triathlon before qualifying for Team USA.

What benefits does an athlete receive if he/she is a member of Team USA?

• Travel: USAT provides travel packages specifically for world championships, which usually include: airport/hotel transfers, bicycle transportation at destination, lodging and other benefits. Most U.S. athletes travel as part of the prepared package and with other U.S. athletes.  All costs are borne by the athlete. Land package costs usually run between $100-$200 per person per day (foreign hotels can be very expensive). Athletes are free to book housing separate from the package but do so at the expense of lost team camaraderie.
• Insurance: The USOC provides coverage under the foreign assistance program. TravMed is an insurance plan designed for short-term travel and can be utilized by either U.S. athletes traveling outside the country or incoming foreign athletes or teams. The cost of this benefit under the USOC's blanket program is $3 per person per day. This program includes a $100,000 expense benefit. This may be important for travelers whose personal medical coverage is restricted to the U.S. and its territories. The maximum duration for travel under this program option is 70 days. Medex have waived for the Olympic family the exclusions related to sports participation. This insurance is extended to athletes for select world events
• Support Team: USAT has assigned a user fee to every athlete who qualifies for the U.S. team. The purpose of this fee is to cover the base cost for the entire support team to be in attendance at the event and offer special services to team members. The costs are modest compared to the services provided by the hard working staff. This fee is subject to be changed each season based on the event's location.
• Communication: Athletes on each of the world teams receive periodic e-mails from the national office with updates on the various race related activities. Updates also appear on the USAT web site http://www.teamusatriathlon.org/. The goal is to have all of the applicable information on the website for easy access. There is also a monthly newsletter that is sent out to current team members.
• Networking: The most exciting part of being on Team USA is the friends that you make. Many athletes make it a priority to get to know others by eating meals, riding, swimming and running together and just hanging out in the host hotel lobby. You also get to meet athletes from all across the world. Also, there is a chance to do other
• Uniforms and Gear: You get the option of buying Team USA gear and uniforms at a discount and low price. http://www.usatstore.com/. There is also World Championship collectors memorabilia for each race available for purchase.
• Nationals Qualification: If you are a current member of Team USA, you automatically qualify for the Nationals next year.

How many events are athletes on Team USA required to compete or race in?

Athletes must compete and qualify in at least one qualifying event.

Do members of Team USA wear the same uniforms?

Yes they do. USAT provides a clothing package for all ITU world championship teams. Athletes will only have to purchase the competitive gear (consists of a singlet) or shorts/top). These items will change each season, so they will remain as part of the mandatory package. The remaining portion of the package, considered optional, consists of many items from training tops to running shorts. 

When athletes order their uniform they will be sent a sponsor goody package as well consisting of the Team USA parade shirt, a Team USA hat by SweatVac, a Speedo/Team USA swimcap, Hammer gel samples, Yankz! shoe laces, and Defeet USAT socks. 

Further information will be sent to those confirmed on the team in the periodic updates. The approximate cost of the mandatory package is $100. Uniform rules and prices are subject to yearly changes. Athletes pay additional shipping and handling costs for having the clothing shipped.

How much does it cost to be a member of Team USA?

All athletes registering for a world championship are required to pay $300 per event.  The race entry fee, usually $200-$250 is paid through this $300 and any remaining funds are allocated to medical, chiropractor, mechanic and support staff for on-site assistance throughout the world championship race week.

Traveling to the World Championship event is at the expense of the individual (flight, hotel, food, bike shipping)

• This can be done through the USAT travel partner, Polk Majestic Travel. Click HERE, to get in touch with Polk.

Uniforms must be purchased every year and therefore must be compliant with the current ITU uniform rules.  This cost is expensed by the athlete. http://www.usatstore.com/

How is Team USA funded?

Team USA is funded through the remaining registration funds and national sponsors.

What if I want to cancel my Team USA registration?

All cancellations must be received in writing to teamusa@usatriathlon.org.  If you cancel four months or more prior to your respective race, you will be granted a full refund less a $25 administrative fee via check. If you cancel between two and four months prior to your respective race, you will be granted a full refund less a $50 administrative fee via check. Any cancellations received less than two months before the race will not be eligible for a refund.

How can I get more information on Team USA?

The Team USA website is your best bet for up to date information.  Be sure to visit www.teamusatriathlon.org regularly.

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.