Mental Elf is branching out this year with a variety of locations now on offer for the festive fun run that organisers promise has a real emphasis on fun. These christmas-themed events are all about coming together with your local community, to do something that’s good for you, whilst giving something back by helping to raise vital funds for the Mind charity.

In the north of the country there are various locations to become a 'mental elf'. First up is the original event with Lancashire Mind shaking things up in 2024 with a new venue at Worden Park, Leyland on 30 November. An organiser says: "You’ll be able to take part in our usual Mini Elf 2K and our Mental Elf 5K but this year we are adding a Challenge Your sElf route where you are welcome to run 10K (the course will stay open for 2 hours)."

In addition to the run, there will be a variety of activities for families to enjoy including face painting and craft stations, elf relay races and obstacle courses as well as awards for the best dressed elf! All those taking part will also receive a sustainable medal which can be repurposed as a lovely tree decoration.

In addition to Leyland, there will be events in Darlington, Salford, Hull and Knaresborough on 1 December. North Yorkshire Water Park on 8 December and Ulverston and York on 15 December.

By signing up to run a Mental Elf 5K you’ll be connecting with others, doing some physical activity, spending some time in nature and getting the feel-good factor of supporting your local mental health charity – all things that help to boost your own mental wellbeing.

If you'd like to know more, visit the Mind website.

Image: Derbyshire Mind Facebook