Kent


<p>Whether you’re a rookie runner or in pursuit of a personal best, find your new training goal for 2026 among our pick of Kent&#8217;s upcoming triathlon, running or even obstacle races. On your marks&#8230;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-triathlons">TRIATHLONS</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="2560" height="1629" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/Woman-swimming-underwater-shot-scaled-1.jpg" alt="Triathlons" class="wp-image-109624" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/Woman-swimming-underwater-shot-scaled-1.jpg 2560w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/Woman-swimming-underwater-shot-scaled-1-800x509.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/Woman-swimming-underwater-shot-scaled-1-1000x636.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/Woman-swimming-underwater-shot-scaled-1-400x255.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/Woman-swimming-underwater-shot-scaled-1-768x489.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/Woman-swimming-underwater-shot-scaled-1-1536x977.jpg 1536w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/Woman-swimming-underwater-shot-scaled-1-2048x1303.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" /></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://www.tonbridgetriathlon.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tonbridge Triathlon</a></h3>



<p><strong>When:</strong> 4 May</p>



<p><strong>What to expect:</strong> A fantastic course with the support of world-class families and a rewarding cycle route through the beautiful countryside. There&#8217;s 3 events you can get involved in! Their standard (olympic) 800m swim, 50km bike and 10km run. Their sprint which is 400m swim, 25km bike and 5km run. Or try their Super Sprint: 200m swim, 14km bike and 2.5km run. </p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hever-castle-triathlon"><a href="https://www.castleraceseries.com/black-friday/?gad_source=1&amp;gad_campaignid=23271894876&amp;gbraid=0AAAAADcbB_7DDhq67UbZuhp5N3a75i5T5&amp;gclid=Cj0KCQiAxJXJBhD_ARIsAH_JGjhWd9k7u1VeV7TiOOmcMIQUf1CjxB7T_TLlA0hCjlWHZsfWeI12XrkaAkfREALw_wcB" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hever Castle Triathlon</a></h3>



<p><strong>When:&nbsp;</strong>Sat 26 &#8211; Sun 27 Sep</p>



<p><strong>What to expect:&nbsp;</strong>It begins with an open-water swim in the specular 38-acre Hever Castle Lake and River Eden, transitioning into the cycle that will take you through the High Weald of Kent and up to the stunning Ashdown Forest for the longer distance races. The largely off-road run takes you through the Bellhurst Nature Conversation Trust and then returning to Hever Castle Grounds before dashing to the tree-lined finishing chute beside the lake.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-running">RUNNING</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="2560" height="1707" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/WOMAN-RUNNING-scaled-1.jpeg" alt="Running" class="wp-image-109626" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/WOMAN-RUNNING-scaled-1.jpeg 2560w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/WOMAN-RUNNING-scaled-1-800x533.jpeg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/WOMAN-RUNNING-scaled-1-1000x667.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/WOMAN-RUNNING-scaled-1-400x267.jpeg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/WOMAN-RUNNING-scaled-1-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/WOMAN-RUNNING-scaled-1-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/WOMAN-RUNNING-scaled-1-2048x1366.jpeg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" /></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://www.nice-work.org.uk/e/bedgebury-forest-10-and-5-mile-9014" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bedgebury Forest 10 and 5 Mile</a>, Goudhurst</h3>



<p><strong>When:</strong> Sun 1 Feb (already gone!)</p>



<p><strong>£:</strong> £7 &#8211; £28</p>



<p><strong>What to expect:</strong> A stunning race beneath the majestic pines at Bedgebury. This&nbsp;event is open to runners of all abilities, from novices to experienced athletes, and is perfect for spring marathon training. &nbsp;If 10 miles doesn&#8217;t suit, why not try the 5-mile option? You&#8217;ll be in for a treat&#8230;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bewl-water-marathon-lamberhurst"><a href="https://www.hermesrunning.com/bewl-water/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bewl Water Marathon</a>, Lamberhurst</h3>



<p><strong>When:</strong> 13 June &amp; 12 Sep</p>



<p><strong>£:</strong> £33 &#8211; £62</p>



<p><strong>What to expect:</strong> Participate in either a 10km / Half Marathon / Marathon / Ultra Marathon. All 4 courses follow the reservoir route and are run on a combination of undulating rural wooded trails and along some quiet country lanes, with lovely views of the lake for most of the route.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dirty-rotten-scramble-cranbrook"><a href="https://www.letsdothis.com/gb/e/drs-trail-hole-park-estate-191035" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dirty Rotten Scramble</a>, Cranbrook</h3>



<p><strong>When:</strong> Sat 20 June</p>



<p><strong>£:</strong> £38.50 &#8211; £48.50</p>



<p><strong>What to expect:</strong> Take part in the ultimate wild running event next June with Dirty Rotten Scramble. It&#8217;s not your usual 10k run expect plenty of mud, water, trailing through ponds and hills at Hole Park. Come for an epic challenge and an awesome medal.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-run-kent-tonbridge-half-marathon-10k-amp-5k"><a href="https://www.runkent.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Run Kent Tonbridge Half Marathon, 10K &amp; 5K</a></h3>



<p><strong>When:</strong> Sun 4 Oct</p>



<p><strong>£:</strong> £30- £38</p>



<p><strong>What to expect:</strong> A fully road-closed race starting and finishing near The Judd School, taking runners through Tonbridge and surrounding countryside roads. Expect lively spectator support, chip timing, water stations and a celebratory finish atmosphere. Perfect for first-time half marathoners or autumn PB hunters.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fancy-something-a-bit-different">FANCY SOMETHING A BIT DIFFERENT?</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="999" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/01/inflatable-5k-brands-hatch.jpeg" alt="Inflatable assault course" class="wp-image-96549" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/01/inflatable-5k-brands-hatch.jpeg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/01/inflatable-5k-brands-hatch-800x533.jpeg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/01/inflatable-5k-brands-hatch-1000x666.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/01/inflatable-5k-brands-hatch-400x266.jpeg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/01/inflatable-5k-brands-hatch-768x511.jpeg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/01/inflatable-5k-brands-hatch-788x525.jpeg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-colour-assault-course-challenge-deal"><a href="https://www.betteshanger-park.co.uk/event/the-colour-run-assault-course-challenge-atbetteshangerpark/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Colour Assault Course Challenge</a>, Deal</h3>



<p><strong>When:</strong> 25 May</p>



<p><strong>£</strong>: £15</p>



<p><strong>What to expect</strong>: Join the efforts at Betteshanger Park for a day of fun, colour, and obstacles – all in support of Breast Cancer Now. Take on 30 army-style obstacles, get drenched in vibrant colour, and enjoy a medal and sunglasses with your ticket. Perfect for ages 5+, it’s a challenge, not a race – so tackle it your way! A day to remember while raising funds for an amazing cause.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bubble-rush-maidstone"><a href="https://bubble-rush.com/events/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bubble Rush</a>, Maidstone</h3>



<p><strong>When:</strong> 21 June</p>



<p><strong>£:</strong> £4 &#8211; £18</p>



<p><strong>What to expect:</strong> Discover hours of fun for the whole family &#8211; run, walk, or dance your way through a sea of bubbles, times aren&#8217;t important here. The course is suitable for pushchairs and wheelchairs, and there’s no minimum or maximum age limit &#8211; everyone is welcome.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-inflatable-5k-brands-hatch"><a href="https://www.ukrunningevents.co.uk/events/inflatable-5k/brands-hatch-kent-2026?gad_source=1&amp;gad_campaignid=22422036131&amp;gbraid=0AAAAAqw9ZBveQbwsYF5LDXalW74Sxfu5k&amp;gclid=CjwKCAjwqazPBhALEiwAOuXqdBODjMpgxW1p3ZijI3KcMm2RfbchApQzmB0ATgBFDtpzTU28836QKxoCrn8QAvD_BwE" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Inflatable 5K</a>, Brands Hatch</h3>



<p><strong>When:</strong> 16 May</p>



<p><strong>What to expect:</strong> Giant inflatable obstacles, music zones and zero pressure on pace. Choose distances from 2.5K to 15K and expect bouncing, sliding and laughter rather than split times. Perfect for groups, families or charity teams.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://www.twsoapboxrace.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Soapbox Stars Race</a>, Tunbridge Wells</h3>



<p><strong>When:</strong> TBC</p>



<p><strong>What to expect: </strong>A different kind of race &#8211; that&#8217;s for sure! Soapbox Stars Race is returning to Dunorlan Park at Tunbridge Wells for 2026.&nbsp;The one of its kind soapbox kart race raises serious cash for local charities where handmade soapbox karts, each sponsored, manned, and expertly &#8216;pimped&#8217; by each team, go head to head in the downhill race track in the park.</p>



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-in-the-mood-for-more"><em>IN THE MOOD FOR MORE?</em></h2>



<ul>
<li><a href="https://kent.muddystilettos.co.uk/wellbeing/wild-planet-lavender-pillow-mist/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The dreamiest shortcut to better sleep</a></li>



<li><a href="https://kent.muddystilettos.co.uk/wellbeing/where-to-wild-swim-in-kent/">The best spots for a wild swim, cold plunge &amp; sauna in Kent</a></li>



<li><a href="https://kent.muddystilettos.co.uk/wellbeing/your-wellbeing-dates-and-events-kent/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Diaries out! Your winter 2026 wellbeing dates and events</a></li>
</ul>


Commit to fit! The best local races to train for this year

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