If seeing thousands of runners sprint through the streets of London has got you feeling inspired, don’t worry, you haven’t missed the boat just yet.

While you might not have managed to get a place in this year’s marathon, we’ve got 10 scenic running routes in Kent that will help you train in time for next year’s big race.

Bedgebury National Pinetum

The stunning forest at Bedgebury National Pinetum is a beautiful place to start your running journey. If the park’s 12,000 trees, towering conifers, sweeping valleys and peaceful lakes aren’t enough to convince you, this 11km loop is mostly paved and off-road so it’s great for beginners.

Chilham to Canterbury

Starting in the charming village of Chilham, this 21km route is the same length as a half marathon, so it’s ideal for testing your stamina. You will travel through the Kent Downs, along the Pilgrims Cycle Trail, through the neighbouring village of Chartham and enter the city near the Westgate Towers before heading back along the Great Stour.

Kingsdown to Deal Pier

Set off from the village of Kingsdown and follow the coastal path to Henry VIII’s Tudor fort, Deal Castle, where you can admire the historic building. Keep running a little further and you’ll find yourself looking out over the English Channel from Deal Pier before following the same route home. It totals almost 11km and is fairly flat, although the sea breeze can be bracing.

Lock Lane and Aylesford

Watch canal boats pass through the lock in Aylesford before running alongside the water towards Maidstone’s Whatman Park. The run includes great views of the River Medway and passes pretty villages and greens along the way.

Shoreham and Lullingstone Park

This circular route starts among the rolling hills of Shoreham and takes you along Darent Valley with historic inns and views of the Kent Downs. You will then head towards Lullingstone Park where you can catch a glimpse of Lullingstone Castle and head through the thick of the country park before finishing your 9.5km loop.

Tudeley Hale and River Medway

Start your run from just outside of Tonbridge Castle and take in the waterfront views as you run along the banks of the River Medway. The route is just over 10km and takes you through the village of Tudeley Hale, near Postern Park, and over Hartlake Bridge. On the way back you will pass locks, orchards and woodland.

Saxon Shore Way

This mammoth route is a 153-mile journey that takes ramblers all the way from Gravesend to Hastings. There’s a particular section - from Dover’s Marine Parade to Wear Bay Road in Folkestone - that is perfect for runners. It’s the same length as a half marathon, but you probably won’t notice how out of breath you’re getting as you’ll be too busy admiring views of the coast from Shakespeare Cliff and the Samphire Hoe nature reserve.

Sevenoaks to Knole Park and Ightham Mote

Admire not one, but two, National Trust properties on this glorious countryside route. Start your 16.8km run at the train station in Sevenoaks and head towards Knole, the county’s medieval deer park stretching over 1,000 acres of woodland and parkland. The run then continues to Ightham Mote with its moated manor house and beautiful gardens before looping back to Sevenoaks.

Swale National Nature Reserve

Starting at the mouth of the Swale estuary inside this peaceful nature reserve, runners can head off on a 9.7km loop through the marshland. The run also includes some time on Shell Beach’s coastal trail, passing the sandy beach and tide pools, as you travel through Sheerness and Leysdown-on-Sea.

Viking Bay

Viking Bay is one of the most-visited beaches in Kent, especially during the height of the summer holidays. However, despite the crowds, it’s well worth including this area on your running route if you want to catch that sea breeze. This 8.7km run begins in the nearby town of Ramsgate, at its Royal Harbour Marina, and takes you along the seafront until you reach the bay and head back again.