We get it: It’s summer and you want to spend as much time outdoors as possible. That’s why we rounded up 10 choice ways to pair fitness with food, booze, and social time, whether you prefer to sweat on two wheels or in a Vinyasa sequence. Bring a friend, get your heart rate up, and by all means, have a drink. You’ve earned it.


Run and Fun

bRUNch Running

bRUNch Running is back for it’s fourth season this year. Hit the trail for a 5K or 10K, then renedevous at local restaurants to enjoy brunch (complete with two drinks). Sundays, 9:15 a.m. (a few Saturday events take place throughout the season); prices and locations vary; see the full bRUNch Running spring and summer lineup at brunchrunning.com

Thirsty 13

This downhill half marathon (you read that right) winds around the green meadows of Hesperus and Wild Cat Canyon and past serene Lake Nighthorse before reaching the finish line at Ska Brewing. Whether you win or lose, you get a congratulatory mug of beer and entry to the coinciding San Juan Brewfrest at nearby Buckley Park later that afternoon. Cheers. August 27, 8 a.m.; Ska Brewery, 225 Girard St., Durango; $75–$82

Bikes and Brews

Urban Assault Ride

You’ll need a partner and a bike to enter this city-wide obstacle course challenge: At each checkpoint, another outrageous obstacle awaits (brace yourself for bike jousting, slip-n-sliding, paintball, or worse, a puzzle to test your wit). Conquer each one and move on to the next. Winners get eternal glory, and everyone gets a post-contest beer from Great Divide. June 26, 9 a.m.; Great Divide Barrel Bar, 1812 35th St.; $39–$59

G’Knight Ride

If you don’t possess the competitive drive necessary to dash around the Mile High City all afternoon, join 3,000 other cyclers for a laid-back tour de Longmont that culminates with live music and beers from Oskar Blues’ Longmont brew facility. The event is intended for all ages and pricing is customizable: grab an all-access pass (including entrance to the post-ride concert), add on a few beer tokens or bring your kid for an extra $10. And in case your tykes (or you) aren’t game for the full 13 miles, you can opt for a one- or three-mile course. June 18, 2–10 p.m.; Roosevelt Park, 700 Longs Peak Ave., Longmont; Starts at $26

Rocks and Revels

Climb On!

Why happy hour when you can power hour? Take to the climbing wall after your 9-to-5 and finish off with a cold one from Crazy Mountain Brewing at this beginners-friendly, hump day event. If you like craft beer, climbing, and don’t need to take either too seriously, this is for you (experts welcome, too). June 22, 5:30–8 p.m.; Movement Climbing + Fitness, 1155 W. 5th Ave.; $30–$35

The Spot

Boulder’s go-to climbing spot is now a watering hole, too. You can grab a local draft from one of their two taps any day after 4:30 p.m., but only after you’re done scaling the gym’s 15,000 square feet of bouldering terrain. Beginners welcome; shoes and chalk bag available for rent. 3240 Prairie Ave.; Boulder; $13–$17, not including beer

Drinks and Downward Dog

Breath, Bend and Brew at Spangalang Brewery

Justify drinking before noon by starting your day with a late morning yoga practice. Denelle Numis will guide you through an all-levels flow at the Five Points brewery. Afterward, reward your efforts with a craft beer. First Saturday of the month, 10:30 a.m.; 2736 Welton St.; $15, includes class and a beer 

Class and a Glass at Whistling Hare Distillery

Aim your drishti at Whistling Hare Distillery‘s new yoga studio, lofted above the production facility and tasting room. After an hour-long, all-levels Vinyasa flow, enjoy a house-made Bloody Mary, or opt out on booze for a blueberry smoothie or Kombucha. Sundays, 11 a.m.; 7655 W. 108th Ave., Broomfield; $20, includes class and a drink

Denver Yoga Brunch at The Savoy

Take your Sunday brunch game to the next level at this monthly gathering. Meet at Savoy at Curtis Park for a 45-minute power flow, followed by 30 minutes of relaxing, restorative practice, and brunch prepared by a registered dietitian that accommodates any dietary restrictions (but still includes a mimosa). First Sunday of every month, 11 a.m.; 2700 Arapahoe St.; $30, includes class, brunch, and drink

Yoga and Socializing at 2 Penguin Tap & Grill

This hour-long, evening class is perfect for yogis on a budget. The flow is intended to help you work on strength, flexibility, balance, and mindfulness—no matter your previous familiarity with downward dog. Afterward, stick around to indulge in some eats (fried calamari and green chile fries, anyone?). Mondays, 5:30 p.m.; 13065 E. Briarwood Ave.; $7 for class, plus $2 off menu items

Haley Gray
Haley Gray
Haley Gray is a Boulder-based freelance journalist. Her work has appeared in 5280, Roads and Kingdoms, Boulder Magazine, and the Albuquerque Journal.