Whether you're looking to beef up your quads -- or just your T-shirt drawer -- or you want to donate a few bucks for a good cause, summer in Milwaukee is the time to run and walk your way to it.

The weekends are packed -- and some of the weekdays, too -- with races and relays that raise money to help cure fatal diseases and some that are just for fun. And for a reasonable registration fee, you get a mix and match of perks: a T-shirt, food, drinks, raffles, awards, door prizes and entertainment at the finish line.

But remember to sign up for your summer run sooner than later; registration fees are more expensive the closer you get to the race date.

For more details on any of the following races, or to check out summer races in the surrounding Milwaukee area, visit active.com, badgerlandstriders.org or runningintheusa.com.

Hash House Harriers Red Dress Run
Distance: 3- to 5-mile run/walk
When: Saturday, May 14
Where: Humboldt Park pavilion
Start time: 3 p.m.
Fee: $30

Sarah's Stride 5K
When: Saturday, May 21
Where: Hart Park, Wauwatosa
Start time: 5 p.m.
Fee: $15

17th Annual Strain for the Brain Run/Walk
Distance: 5-km run/walk
When: Saturday, May 28
Where: Nathan Hale High School, 11601 W. Lincoln Ave.
Start time: 10 a.m.
Fee: $16

Riverwest Beer Run
Distance: 1.8-mile run
When: Sunday, June 12
Where: 500 E. Locust St.
Start time: 11:30 a.m.
Fee: $16

SuperRun 5K
When: Wednesday, June 22
Where: Lake Park pavilion, 3133 E. Newberry Blvd.
Start time: 7 p.m.
Fee: $13

American Cancer Society Relay for Life
Distance: 18-24 hour walk/run
When: Friday, June 24
Where: Marquette University, Valley Fields
Start time: 6 p.m.
Fee: $10

M&I Bank Storm the Bastille
Distance: 5-km run/2-mile walk
When: Thursday, July 14
Where: Cathedral Square Park, corner of Jefferson and Wells Streets
Start time: 9 p.m.
Fee: $15

UNCF Walk/Run
Distance: 5-km
When: Saturday, July 16
Where: Zeidler Park, 3rd and Michigan Streets
Start time: 8:30 a.m.
Fee: $16