Most sports grow out of a simple formula—ball plus stick, ball plus kick, or car plus explosion. Experience a rewritten equation with today's Groupon: for $59, you get entry for two in the Spartan Sprint race held by Spartan Race on Sunday, June 24, 2012 (a $135.60 value). Heats begin every half hour from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m.

The Spartan Sprint challenges participants age 15 and older to traverse 5 kilometres of unmapped trails packed with 10 or more unknown obstacles. Equipped with a timing chip that accurately records every second, 250 competitors in each heat sprint and swap high-speed piggyback rides across winding trails and muddy terrain. Each modern-day warrior takes anywhere from 30 minutes to over an hour to complete the race, including working through obstacles, physical challenges, and mental tests. Meanwhile, food vendors refuel spectators, a first aid station helps ensure safety, and music gives an upbeat soundtrack to the real-life athletic montage. Participants leave the race's awards ceremony with a Spartan Race T-shirt, medal, and access to online postings of event photos and results. Additionally, the three fastest men and three fastest women can continue conquering muddy terrain like an earthworm at a buffet with free entry into a future 8-mile Super Spartan event.