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 Midlands there are various locations to become a 'mental elf'. First up on 24 November is the second ever edition of Mental Elf races at Elvaston Castle in Derbyshire.

Organisers of this event say: "What better way to kick off the festive season than to don an elf costume and raise money for your local Mental Health charity, Derbyshire Mind? Fancy dress isn’t essential but is encouraged! We will be running several competitions on the day including best dressed pet and best dressed elf. We are giving you plenty of notice to get your costumes ready and can't wait to see what you come up with."

In addition to Elvaston, there will be events in Birmingham, Coventry, Leicester, Mansfield, Wellingborough and Stoke on Trent all of which will take place on 1 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