Running was popular in Europe long before it caught on in America, which is why most races are measured in kilometers instead of miles and why most of the Pilgrims were eaten by bears. Race to the top of the food chain with this Groupon.

$30 for One Beach Dash Entry ($60 Value)

During the Beach Dash's sandy 5K race, dashers dart through a forest of hanging noodles, army crawl beneath nets and around trenches, leap over sizzling embers, and overcome other creative obstacles to make it to the finish line. The race is open to athletic and competitive racers as well as more laid-back types who might want to skip a challenge or two. The water's never deep enough for swimming, so racers can compete even in cement shoes.

In addition to the prizes they can win for their racing victories and crazy costumes, dashers get a slew of goodies, including a beverage, pineapple hat, T-shirt, and medal for finishing. Before, during, and after the race, dashers can toast to success and bop to live music at the Coast Roast party. Participation in fundraising for St. Jude makes the dash's fun memories even more meaningful.

Red Frog Events

The eclectic organizers at Red Frog Events take a lighthearted and fun-focused approach to building their adventurous events, such as obstacle courses, scavenger hunts, and themed bar crawls, to connect city dwellers with local neighborhoods. Their creative, interactive offerings include regularly occurring competitions such as the Warrior Dash, Great Urban Race, and Beach Dash, the proceeds from which usually benefit St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Like the idea of having a pet rock, their events have grown more popular annually, and frequently spring up in cities across the United States.