Iron Bearcat Challenge
Overview
Have you ever wanted to try an Ironman? Well, now you can! We know that finding a goal can help keep you motivated and focused. This is your opportunity to complete an Ironman at your own pace over an entire month AND this can be completed anywhere! Outside, another gym or in our beloved Campus Recreation Center. Participants will be required to submit their distances after completing a workout.
Our goal is to get people moving and experience the joy that physical activity can bring to your life. We hope you participate in this challenge!
Distances
Full Ironman
- Run/Walk: 26.2 miles
- Bike: 112 miles
- Swim: 4224 yards OR Row: 7725 meters
Half Ironman
- Run/Walk: 13.1 miles
- Bike: 56 miles
- Swim: 2112 yards OR Row: 3862 meters
Location & Dates
The best part of this challenge? You can earn your milage from anywhere! Don't have time to go to the gym? Count the .5 mile walk to your car. Taking a bike ride over the weekend? Count those miles.
Oct. 27 - Nov. 23
Registration & Cost
This event is FREE!
Registration for the 2025 Iron Bearcat Challenge has now officially closed. If you happened to miss it, do not worry! We will be back in Spring of 2026!
Live Leaderboard
We are excited to announce we are launching our first LIVE Leaderboard for the Iron Bearcat! Upon submission, participants will be able to see instant updates to their totals and how they rank against others in each event! Beginning on Oct. 27, the leaderboards can be found here!
Submission
You are responsible for submitting your distances. The submissions are based on an honor system; however, it is recommended you have record of distances. All submissions are subject to show proof with probable cause.
The link to the Iron Bearcat submission form can be found in these locations:
- Follow this LINK to access the submission form.
- On QR codes labeled 'Iron Bearcat Submission Form' posted in each of our facilities!
Please review the following submission guidelines to ensure your totals are updated accurately!
You will only input values into your submission; therefore units are not necessary. If there are events you do not have distances for, you will simply put a '0' in the blank! If you are needing to submit more than the max distance cap, please submit another form with the remaining distance needed.
When completing the submission form, you MUST use your first and last name as it is shown when you register. In the case of duplicate names, you will be contacted by Campus Recreation staff.
| Event | Unit of Measurement | Submission Range | Rounding |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biking | miles | 0.1 - 99.9 | Distance submissions should be rounded to the nearest tenth decimal. Example: 17.4 is correct, 17.423 is incorrect |
| Walking/Runnning | miles | 0.1 - 99.9 | Distance submissions should be rounded to the nearest tenth decimal. Example: 4.5 is correct, 4.483 is incorrect |
| Swimming | yards | 0 - 999 | Distances submissions should be rounded to the nearest whole number. Example: 135 is correct, 134.87 is incorrect |
| Rowing | meters | 0 - 2000 | Distances submissions should be rounded to the nearest whole number. Example: 1670 is correct, 1670.121 is incorrect |
Prizes
The top finishers will receive a prize! Plus, 5 random finishers will be drawn for a prize!
Questions?
Contact Trey Dynes (dynestm@ucmail.uc.edu)