Staying in shape for the summer is hard when you appreciate drinking as much as we do, so naturally when someone combines exercise and alcohol we’re immediately on board.
 

Dangling a nice cold drink in front of us may be the only way to get us out and running, and we know we’re not alone. In fact, this season is chock full of races for all levels of running and boozing aficionados, from 1 milers all the way up to 8Ks at wineries and breweries near you.
 

Check out our round-up of races in our area this spring, summer and fall to help keep you motivated and in shape.
 

Yards Brewing Company, Philadelphia, PA

This monthly event may not be a race, but it’s a great way to get in shape for some more serious competitions and still end things with a beer. Runners meet at 6th and Race St in Philadelphia for a 4.25 mile run across the Benjamin Franklin Bridge and back. The run ends at Yards Brewing Company and coincides with Yards’ monthly happy hour, so you don’t have to worry about breaking the bank; just breaking a sweat. Free Run, Beer and Happy Hour Prices Vary
 

Amalthea Cellars, Atco, NJ

The Run the Vineyards race series stretch across Jersey and PA throughout the spring and well into the fall. Amalthea Cellars is a mostly road, chip-timed course for 5k and 10k runners that includes post-race live music and food vendors. All runners also get a 2015 Run the Vineyards wine glass-- filled with wine-- and matching shirt. Jump on a few more of these races throughout 2015 and you could get a full set. $40 for 5K, $45 for 10K
 

Hawk Haven Vineyards, Rio Grande, NJ

Hawk Haven’s cross country course is perfect for those new to running off-asphalt and also comes complete with some truly unbeatable views around the vineyard’s vines, woods and lake. And like all Run the Vineyard races, competitors get their chip-times results alongside an engraved wine glass and shirt, along with your choice of sangria to cool off with. $40
 

Sharrott Winery, Hammonton, NJ

You may be rolling your eyes at the thought of running during the hottest time of the year, but Run the Vineyards makes this an easy run by kicking it off at 6:30 PM, long after it starts to cool down. The 5K is chip timed-- and there are awards for the age group and overall winners-- while the 1 mile run/walk is just for fun, and both are cross country. Along with live music and food vendors, racers get a complimentary wine glass filled with Sharrott Wine and a free tee or tank. $40

 

 

Flying Fish Brewing Company, Somerdale, NJ

As part of Great American Brewery Runs’ two-part annual series of brewery races, this 5K takes runners on a road track around the brewery, ending in the Flying Fish parking lot where lawn games, live music and beer pong await finishers. Each runner gets a can glass in lieu of a medal as well as a glass of Oktoberfish, and the race wraps up just as the town’s annual Somerdale Day kicks off so food vendors and family-friendly fun isn’t too far off. You can run solo or sign up with a group of 10 to receive a custom Flying Fish 5K Glass Growler. $40 before June 30, $ 45 after June 30
 

Monroeville Vineyard & Winery and Summit City Farms & Winery, Monroeville, NJ

There are few things better than peach season in South Jersey, and Monroeville Winery and Summit City Winery are celebrating just that. This combination of cross-country and flat course takes runners through the area’s peach orchards and through both wineries’ grape vines, and runners can take their pick from professional photographs post-race for free. Best of all, runners get a glass of wine from each winery. $45 before July 1, $50 after July 1
 

Cape May Winery, Cape May, NJ

Run the Vineyards heads to the beach with this course race and lap through the vines. Racers end the run with a shirt, wine glass and complimentary pour of Cape May Winery’s award winning wine, and runners can get race results instantly once the race concludes. $40
 

Dogfish Head Craft Brewery, Milton, DE

Sept. 27, 9 AM
This one may be far, but it’s worth the drive considering that it’s one of the nation’s biggest beer races. In its 10th year, this 8K takes runners around the brewery’s farm-friendly neighborhood on a road course. Along with the standard category winners, there’s also a  recycled costume contest with prizes for top teams, top male and top female recycled costumes. Registration for this race fills up fast, but there’s always a handful of bibs that are for sale by owner as race day draws nearer.