If you’re planning to refresh your exercise routine, up your fitness levels or hit a new PB next year, there’s no better motivation than signing up for a run.
We’ve got some great races, from flat routes for beginners to challenging cross-country runs, that you can join in 2024 to help you reach your goals - and raise some money for charity at the same time.
BROMLEY 10K
This route includes four laps of the running track, four laps of the park and final 300m stretch along the track. There will also be medals for all participants and trophies for the first three runners. Register online here.
Where: Norman Park, Bromley
When: Sunday, January 28 from 10am
BEDGEBURY FOREST 5 AND 10 MILE, Goudhurst
This race takes place below the majestic pine trees of the country park. It’s a muddy route, so dress appropriately, but it’s also fairly quiet as there are no roads. Register online here.
Where: Bedgebury National Pinetum and Forest, Goudhurst
When: Sunday, February 4 from 9am
HEADCORN HALF, near Ashford
This half-marathon is great for beginners as it’s mostly flat. The race is capped at 500 runners and has hit this target for the past nine years, so don’t wait too long if you want to take part. Register online here.
Where: Headcorn Primary School
When: Sunday, February 11 from 9am
ASHFORD AND DISTRICT 10K, Kennington
Taking place on the edge of Ashford, this rural route takes you down country lanes with stunning views. It’s all on roads, so you’ll need to be aware of traffic as you run. Register online here.
Where: The Towers School in Kennington, near Ashford
When: Sunday, February 11 from 10am
TUNBRIDGE WELLS HALF MARATHON
This particular route is known for being challenging, including the 300ft hill, but it’s also scenic and picturesque. The run has been hosted by Tunbridge Wells Harriers for more than 30 years. Register online here.
Where: Tunbridge Wells Sports Centre
When: Sunday, February 18 from 9am
DEAL HALF MARATHON
Explore the quiet roads around Deal’s nearby villages, including Betteshanger, Northbourne, Ripple, Sutton, East Langdon and Martin Mill. There’s also a Junior 1.5k race taking place on the same day from 10.45am. Register online here.
Where: Betteshanger Country Park, Deal
When: Sunday, February 18 from 10.30am
DYMCHURCH 10K, Romney Marsh
Soak up that sea air as you pound the promenade at Dymchurch and its surrounding beaches. All runners will receive a medal for taking part. Register online here.
Where: Bucket and Spade Coffee Shop, Dymchurch
When: Sunday, February 18 from 11am
DARTFORD HALF MARATHON
Dartford’s half marathon is one of the longest running in the county. It’s been going for more than 40 years and is open to participants of all ages and abilities. There’s also a fun run taking place on the same day. Register online here.
Where: Central Park, Dartford
When: Sunday, February 25 from 9am
LYDD 20 MILE AND HALF MARATHON, Romney Marsh
This run takes place on a completely flat course, so it’s great for inexperienced runners or those who want to achieve a new personal best. It’ll take you through country lanes and past marshes in and around Lydd. Register online here.
Where: Banks Sports and Social Club, Lydd
When: Sunday, March 10 from 10am
FOLKESTONE 10, Hythe
With bracing views of the coast between Hythe and Folkestone, a traffic-free, flat route and a bank holiday weekend for your legs to recover, it’s no surprise that this 10 mile race is one of Kent’s most popular. Register online here.
Where: Hythe Green
When: Good Friday (29 March) from 10am
KENT SPRING MARATHON AND HALF MARATHON, Ashford
It’s a big ask to run a marathon, but being surrounded by beautiful countryside views could be just the encouragement you need. This run takes you along Pilgrims Way and through charming villages such as Charing and Westwell. Register online here.
Where: Sandyacres Sports Club, Ashford
When: Sunday, April 14 from 9am
HOWLETTS HONEY BADGER 5K, near Canterbury
If you’re an animal lover, this unique run is a chance to explore the 90-acre wildlife park at Howletts before it opens to the public. You will pass more than 45 species of animal as you weave your way through the park, and entry for the rest of the day is included in your fee. Register online here.
Where: Howletts Wild Animal Park in Bekesbourne, near Canterbury
When: Sunday, April 28 from 9am
10 BAY AND 4 BAY CHALLENGE
There’s no better way to see Thanet’s coastline than with a run that includes 10 of its beautiful bays and beaches. If you don’t think you can tackle all of them, there’s also a shorter four bay challenge available. Register online here.
Where: Main Sands, Margate
When: Sunday, April 28 from 9.30am
INFLATABLE 5K, Longfield
This fun-filled inflatable course is back for another year of epic challenges and obstacles. The whole family can take on this one as you bounce, slide and climb your way to the finish line together. Register online here.
Where: Brands Hatch, Longfield
When: Saturday, May 18 from 9am
NORTH DOWNS RUN, Gravesend
This huge 30k route takes you through the spectacular North Downs with some truly beautiful views. You’ll need to be ready for a mixture of woodland, fields, roads and parkland as part of this ambitious race. Register online here.
Where: Cyclopark, Gravesend
When: Sunday, June 20 from 10.30am
You can also take part in the annual Race for Life charity runs, which are set to return to locations all over the UK next year.
You can choose to run, jog or walk; it doesn’t matter as long as you join in and help to raise money for Cancer Research UK. The dates and locations for Kent’s Race for Life events are below:
Tunbridge Wells 3k and 5k
Sunday, June 2 at Dunorlan Park from 11am
Folkestone 3k, 5k and 10k
Sunday, June 9 at The Leas from 10.30am
Herne Bay 3k, 5k and 10k
Sunday, June 30 at Seafront Hampton Pier from 10am
Maidstone Pretty Muddy and Pretty Muddy Kids
Saturday, July 6 at Mote Park from 10am
Maidstone 5k and 10k
Sunday, July 7 at Mote Park from 10am
Margate 3k, 5k and 10k
Sunday, July 14 at Palm Bay from 10am
If you want to take part in something a little more casual, Parkrun also takes place every Saturday at 9am at lots of parks and towns across the county.
These 5k runs are perfect for beginners and can be a great way to get in some practice before you take on some of the longer runs we’ve already mentioned.
You can find your nearest Parkrun event from the list below:
Ashford, Victoria Park
Bromley, Norman Park
Canterbury, The Pavilion at University of Kent
Dartford, Central Park
Gillingham, Great Lines Heritage Park
Goudhurst, Bedgebury National Pinetum and Forest
Gravesend, Shorne Woods Country Park
Maidstone, Lock Lane
Malling, Leybourne Lakes Country Park
Sittingbourne, Milton Creek Country Park
Swanley, Lullingstone Country Park
Tonbridge, Castle Road
Tunbridge Wells, Dunorlan Park
Whitstable, Whitstable Promenade
