Mental Elf Festive Fun Run – Sunday 29th November 2026
We’re so excited to bring back our Mental Elf Festive Fun Run for its fourth year – and you’re invited!
Never taken part before? Check out the video from last year’s event here.
What is the Mental Elf Festive Fun Run?
Mental Elf is a 5km “Festive Fun Run” suitable for all ages and abilities. Whether you’re running, walking or simply getting involved, the event celebrates the benefits of physical activity, connecting with others and doing something positive for your own wellbeing, all while giving back to your local mental health charity.
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!
The event is about much more than fundraising. It’s a chance to bring people together, enjoy the outdoors and spend time in nature, while raising awareness of mental health and wellbeing.
Event Details
- Date: Sunday 29th 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
Ticket Information
You can purchase individual tickets, and we also have discounted tickets available for families, groups and corporate teams, so it’s the perfect opportunity to get your friends, family or colleagues involved.
And, of course, elf fancy dress is very much encouraged!
This year, we’ll be holding Best Dressed Elf competitions, so start planning your festive outfits now.
There’ll be plenty to enjoy on the day, including:
- Entertainment
- Face painting
- Games
- Tombola
- Lots of festive fun!
Eager Elf Tickets
If you’re just as excited as we are, you can sign up now and take advantage of our discounted Eager Elf tickets.
Eager Elf tickets are available until 10pm on Friday 2nd October 2026.
We’ve kept our Eager Elf ticket prices the same as last year, and Elves Under 5 can take part for free.
Don’t miss out – sign up now and join us for a festive day of fun, fundraising and fabulous elf costumes!
Why Take Part?
The festive season can be a difficult time for many. Throughout December 2025, our Helpline received 1,540 calls, averaging 50 calls per day, including 107 calls between Christmas Eve and Boxing Day.
All money raised at our Festive Fun Run stays right here in Birmingham and Solihull, helping to fund vital services like our Central Birmingham Wellbeing Hub in the Bullring & Grand Central.
Thank You to Our Sponsors
A huge thank you to our fantastic event sponsors for our Festive Fun Run 2026!
We’re incredibly grateful to our Headline Sponsor, PM Group, for supporting us for a second year running.
Their generous support and commitment are helping us continue our work to improve mental health services across Birmingham.
Their involvement helps make this event possible and directly supports the vital services we provide to our local community.
Corporate Opportunities
Mental health challenges are affecting more people than ever, with at least one in four individuals experiencing difficulties at any given time. This impact extends across your workforce, customers, suppliers, and the communities your organisation serves. By partnering with Birmingham Mind, your organisation can play a vital role in improving mental health outcomes across Birmingham and Solihull.
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 and Solihull
We’d love to discuss how we can work together.
We have a few sponsorship opportunities remaining and other ways to show your support.
Contact us today to explore sponsorship packages and partnership opportunities.
Venue
Our 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 £4.00.
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 our Mental Elf Festive Fun Run.
Our target for 2026 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 Festive Fun Run 2026 to raise £50 to help support the vital services we provide across Birmingham. Raising £50 could help provide arts and craft supplies for five mental health support groups
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 Festive Fun Run events. Without the support of amazing volunteers, we would not have an event to put on. If you’d like to support our Mental Elf Festive Fun Run 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 today
FAQ's
Where can I park?
Parking is available at the MAC car park (B12 9QH) and Russell Road (B13 8RD)
Charge is £4.00 at both locations. Payment by phone app, card and cash.
Can I register and pay on the day?
Our Festive Fun Run has sold out for the last 3 years – so get your tickets early.
Any remaining tickets may be available to purchase on the day – keep checking our social media pages for ticket sales updates.
When is registration
Registration opens from 10:30am on Sunday 29th November
Registration will close at 11:40am
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!
Spectator and supporters are also welcome to dress up.
Dogs must be secured on their lead.
Where can I leave my belongings
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 fun run 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 fun run?
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. Please drop us an email to fundraising@birmimghammind.org to advise us of any changes.
What if I experience a problem during the fun run?
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 2026 Festive Fun Run?
Yes. Children of any age can participate in 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 Festive Fun Run 2026 T&C's
Please read our Rules and Health & Safety Information
“Finally, we want to say a big thank you to friends and colleagues at Lancashire Mind who created the original Mental Elf Festive Fun Run concept.
We are super excited to grow this event year on year in Birmingham”