Photo: SpartanRace.com
Scrambling, spears, running, barbwire, fire, biking, axes, crawling, Legos, swimming: this is just a sampling of ingredients for the hottest interdisciplinary series to hit the 24-hour racing scene.

Photo: Caleb Kenna for The New York Times
The Death Race course spans 10 miles of mountain
trails, ravines, lakes, underbrush and a burnt-out
thicket.The Spartan Race is a qualifying series which combines a 5k run with 12 outrageous obstacles, where the top three winners are entered into the infamous Death Race - an epic climax in one of the most unlikely places: Pittsfield, Vermont. The Death Race is scheduled for June 26, and only 100 participants from across the globe will be lucky enough to compete. If you can make it through the Spartan Race, that is.

Spartan Race Schedule:

Burlington, VT USA - Sun, May 16th 2010

Montreal, CAN - Sun, Jul 4th 2010

Toronto, CAN - Sun, Jul 11th 2010

New York City, NY USA - Sun, Aug 15th 2010

Boston, MA USA - Sat, Aug 28th 2010

Cambridge, UK - Sun, Sep 19th 2010

Manchester UK - Sun, Oct 3rd 2010

Los Angeles, CA - Sun, Dec 12th 2010

Richard Lee, a 27-year-old ex-Royal Marine, was walking the Appalachian Trail with his girlfriend when they arrived in Pittsfield, Vermont, to collect a food parcel. A couple of hours later, he had signed up for the Death Race, a 24-hour test of extreme physical and psychological stamina (competitors sign a waiver, "I might die", hence the name). Despite having a limited experience of adventure racing and only four days to prepare, Lee led the event from the start and finished joint first with a US Marine, Tom Worthington.

Photo: SpartanRace.com
How might one train like a Spartan?

1. Running long distances down goat paths and over the pass of Thermopylae.

2. Wielding heavy objects such as body armour, spears or shields on a regular basis.

3. Practicing crawling and climbing.

4. Preparing to soil your tunic beyond redemption

Photo: YouMayDie.com
Lastly, what to wear.

Traditionally, a red tunic, a helmet and body armour, but we understand if you don't have these items on hand. But seriously, be as creative as you like with your outfit, as long as it doesn't impose a safety hazard to you or the competition. Whatever you wear, be prepared to get dirty and wet! We highly recommend wearing reliable running or hiking shoes. Rain or shine, the battle is on!

Check out the New York Times' recap of the 2009 Death Race; in particular, their video. Awesome.