Mental Elf Festive Fun Run – Sunday 30th November
We’re so excited to bring back our Mental Elf Festive Fun Run for its third year – and you’re invited!
What is Mental Elf?
Mental Elf is a 5km “Festive Fun Run” suitable for all ages and abilities. Whether you walk, jog, skip or run, it’s all about festive fun, community spirit, and supporting mental health in Birmingham.
You can also choose our shorter 1.5km route, perfect for younger participants or those who prefer a gentler pace. Whichever route you choose, everyone receives a finisher’s medal and a goody bag!
Why Take Part?
The festive season can be a difficult time for many. Last Christmas week alone, 287 people contacted us for support. All money raised through Mental Elf stays right here in Birmingham, helping to fund vital services like our Central Wellbeing Hub in the Bullring & Grand Central.
Event Details
- Date: Sunday 30th November
- Location: Cannon Hill Park, Birmingham
- Registration: From 10:30am
- Run Starts: 12 noon
- All ages welcome – children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult
- Route Options: 5km (3 laps) & 1.5km (1 lap) – same ticket price
- Finishers Medal
- Goody Bag for all participants
Let’s make a difference – together.
Whether you’re donning your best elf costume or cheering from the sidelines, your involvement helps us promote the benefits of physical activity, connection, and community giving.
Thank you to all our amazing elves and generous sponsors – we couldn’t do it without you!
Book early for our Eager Elf discount
Book before 10th October 2025 and take advantage of our eager elf discounted ticket prices.
- Eager Elf Adult Tickets (17+) £11.55
- Eager Elf Child Ticket (5-16) £9.38
- Eager Elf Family Ticket (4 people) £33.22
- Eager Elf Team Ticket (8 people) £71.13
Elf fancy dress is very much encouraged! There will be entertainment, face paints, games and a tombola plus more to get involved with at the event.
Ready to join the fun?
Sign up to take part & be entered in our prize draw!
The first 50 people to buy a ticket / family ticket / team ticket for this year’s event will be entered into a prize draw to be in with the chance of winning a voucher for 4 people for Drayton Manor to use in their 2026 season. The winner will be contacted by email no later than Friday 28th November 2025.
Thank You to Our Sponsors
A huge thank you to our fantastic event sponsors for Mental Elf 2025!
We’re incredibly grateful to our Headline Sponsor, PM Group, and our Medal Sponsor, Love Finance, for their generous support and commitment to improving mental health in Birmingham.
Their involvement helps make this event possible and directly supports the vital services we provide to our local community.
Corporate Opportunities
Now more than ever, supporting mental health matters.
Your employees, clients, suppliers, and communities all have mental health and your company can make a meaningful difference.
By partnering with us for Mental Elf 2025, you’ll not only be helping to improve mental health support across Birmingham, but also highlighting your organisation’s commitment to social impact and wellbeing.
Why Get Involved?
Aligning your brand with Birmingham Mind is a powerful way to:
- Show your support for mental health and wellbeing
- Boost your company’s visibility and reputation
- Engage your team through meaningful community involvement
- Make a lasting impact right here in Birmingham
We’d love to discuss how we can work together.
Contact us today to explore sponsorship packages and partnership opportunities.
Venue
Our Mental Elf Festive Fun Run will take place in Cannon Hill Park, starting and finishing near the band stand..
Get involved with games, face paints and a tombola.
There is a large car park available at the MAC as well as Russell Road. Parking charges start from £3.75. There are toilets available at The MAC.
Full details of the route can be found here
Fundraising
Last year almost £20,000 was raised from Mental Elf.
Our target for 2025 is £25,000. You can help us reach our target.
Through your fundraising efforts, you can help make a huge difference to the lives of people we support with their mental health here in Birmingham.
We are encouraging every person who signs up for Mental Elf 2025 to raise £50 to help support the vital services we provide across Birmingham.
If you wish to ask family, friends or colleagues to donate, you can set up your Just Giving Page.
Alternatively, if you’d prefer to collect cash donations, please email fundraising@birminghammind.org and we can send you our sponsorship form.
Volunteering
Volunteers are crucial to the success of our Mental Elf events. Without the support of amazing volunteers, we would not have an event to put on. If you’d like to support Mental Elf this year by helping out at the event itself, we would love to hear from you.
All of our Elf Volunteers receive water, snacks and a thank you gift.
There are various roles we need your support with. If you would like to become an Elf Volunteer, please see our Volunteer Role Information Sheet and sign up online
FAQ's
Where can I park?
Parking is available at the MAC car park (B12 9QH) and Russell Road (B13 8RD)
Charge is £3.75 at both locations. Payment by phone is possible but we recommend arriving with card and cash).
Can I register and pay on the day?
Yes, via card or cash payments.
However you’ll miss out on our Early bird discount price and pre registration information.
When is registration
Registration opens from 10:30am
Meet us at the Band Stand where you will be given a run number and safety pins along with instructions.
Are spectators allowed?
Yes – absolutely! Dogs must be secured on their lead.
Where can I leave my bag?
All belongings must be left with your supporters or in your vehicle. The car park is a 2 minute walk from the registration point.
Are there any toilet facilities?
Toilets are available at the MAC from 9am, unless the MAC is closed and in the Tea Rooms from 9am for customers.
I am a runner with a disability and I may require support, what shall I do?
Please let our team know of any additional support you may require on the day and we will do our best to support you – drop us an email to fundraising@birmimghammind.org
When does the race start?
Both the 1.5k and 5k races start at 12 noon, make sure to listen to announcements on the day and make your way to the start a few minutes before the start.
Is there a time limit for the race?
There is no time limit, you can walk, run or wheel at your own pace during the race. Well behaved dogs (on leads) are also welcome.
I can no longer participate in the run, can I have a refund?
No, you cannot receive a refund. However, you can transfer your entry to another person.
What if I experience a problem during the race?
There will be marshals in high visibility jackets to help and we also have physical and mental health first aiders to respond in the case of an emergency.
Can children participate in Mental Elf 2025?
Yes. Children of any age can participate the 1.5k and 5k. Children under the age of 16 must enter with a responsible adult.
There is no charge for children 5 and under.
Mental Elf 2025 T&C's
Please read our Rules and Health & Safety Information
“Finally, we want to say a big thank you to Lancashire Mind who created the original concept of Mental Elf. We are super excited to grow this event year on year in Birmingham!”