Iron Month Challenge 2026
Welcome to our third edition of the Iron Month Challenge! For the month of February, RecWell is offering the opportunity for individuals to work towards completing a full Iron Man race. Any distances swam, ran, or biked from February 1 – February 28 will be totaled and tracked towards the Iron Man race distances.
Try your skills at completing 2.4 miles of swimming, 112 miles of biking, and 26.2 miles running/walking. There will be a tiered structure for distances, where you can receive prizes for completing a sprint triathlon, Olympic triathlon, half Iron Man, and full Iron Man. Any individuals completing the full Iron Man distances will be entered into a raffle for exclusive rewards! Iron Month Challenge is open to UNCG students and Kaplan Center members only.
How to register
- Fill out this Submission Form for official program registration. The challenge will run from Sunday, 2/1 through Saturday, 2/28. Individuals can join at any part of the month of February. All distances submitted during the month timeframe count towards the challenge.
- No payment required! This event is FREE, and your submission to the form on this website will get you into the challenge. It’s too easy to pass up!
Challenge details
- Cumulative distances are totaled up to reach each Level. Prizes available for those who complete each Level (1, 2, 3, 4). If you’re unsure of your cumulative total, please email Eric Becker at etbecker@uncg.edu.
- Iron Challenger Kits are available to all who start the challenge and include a sweat towel, a pair of goggles, a swim cap, and a QR code card. Details how and when to get your challenger kit will be included in the initial email.
Challenge levels
Sprint Triathlon
- 0.5 mile swim (33 lengths)
- 12.5 mile bike
- 3.1 mile run (5k distance)
- Tier 1 Prize for completing these three full distances!
Olympic Triathlon
- 1 mile swim (66 lengths)
- 25 mile bike
- 6.2 mile run (10k distance)
- Tier 2 Prize for completing these three full distances!
Half Iron Man
- 1.2 mile swim (85 lengths)
- 56 mile bike
- 13.1 mile run (half marathon)
- Tier 3 Prize for completing these three full distances!
Iron Man
- 2.4 mile swim (169 lengths)
- 112 mile bike
- 26.2 mile run (marathon)
- Tier 4 Prize for completing these three full distances!
Frequently Asked Questions
First, fill out the Iron Month Participant Detail form found HERE. Second, you may submit all challenge progress (swimming, biking, and running totals) at the Tracking Form HERE.
All participants will fill out the Tracking Form HERE to record their progress. We will record and tally all distances, and keep track of participant’s challenge progress. If you have questions regarding your distance totals, please email Eric Becker at etbecker@uncg.edu.
Nope! There are 4 total levels to the program, each with their own prize! The prizes are as follows:
- Level One: Pair of Saucony socks
- 0.5 mile (825 yard) swim, 12.5 mile bike, 3.1 mile run
- Level Two: Participant choice of energy chew or candy
- 1 mile (1650 yard) swim, 25 mile bike, 6.2 mile run
- Level Three: Choice of resistance bands or bungee shoe laces
- 1.2 mile (2125 yard) swim, 56 mile bike, 13.1 mile run
- Level Four: Iron Month completion t-shirt, and a raffle ticket for exculsive prizes
- 2.4 mile (4225 yard) swim, 112 mile bike, 26.2 mile run
Nope! Running, swimming, or biking can be completed either in the Kaplan Center or at your own leisure outside of this building. All distances gained during the month of February count towards your total. Remember to track your daily progress and submit any distances on the Tracking Form.
Not to worry! There are multiple options for all levels of swimming ability. In the Kaplan Center Natatorium, the Activity Pool (3.5-4 feet deep) offers shallow water exercise options. One full length swimming, running, or walking in the Activity Pool = 25 yards.
- Laps run or walked in the Activity Pool can count towards the swim total.
- Individuals can use the aqua jogging equipment from the pool deck to run in the Lap Pool. Lifeguards can assist with the water jogger device as needed.
It does not! All of your progress over the month is cumulative. Example; when you complete the Level One distances, you are already halfway to the Level Two completion. Updates will be sent out weekly for those who complete the Level distances.
Kaplan Center conversions
Running (Indoor Track)
8 laps = 1 mile
1 lap = 0.125 mile
Biking (Cycle Class)
An average Spin Cycle Group Fitness class at the Kaplan Center totals between 8 to 12 miles.
Swimming (Lap Pool)
1 lap (down and back 1 time) = 50 yards
10 laps = 500 yards
20 laps = 1000 yards
33 laps = 1 mile
66 lengths = 1 mile
1 nautical mile = 1,650 yards