Mental Elf Festive Fun Run
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Use code EAGERELF for 25% off tickets until 8th October!!
What is Mental Elf Festive Fun Run?
Mind in Harrogate District’s Mental Elf Festive Fun Run is a fun and festive 5K bringing people together to boost community spirit, support mental wellbeing and raise vital funds for our children and young people’s mental health services.
It’s a family-friendly event for everyone, whether you want to run, jog, walk or simply soak up the festive atmosphere! We welcome all ages and abilities, including children, families, groups of friends and corporate teams.
So grab your festive fancy dress, gather your favourite people and join us for a feel-good festive morning, all while helping to support local children and young people.
Help us make every step count
The Mental Elf Festive Fun Run is about having a brilliant festive day out with your family and friends, but it’s also about raising vital funds to support children and young people in our local community.
Your entry fee helps us cover the cost of putting on the event, but it’s the sponsorship you raise that really helps make a difference.
We’d love every runner, walker and family taking part to set up a fundraising page and raise whatever they can. And please don’t worry about how much you might raise, or whether you think people will sponsor you – there’s no minimum amount and every single donation makes a difference. You might be surprised how quickly a few donations from friends, family and colleagues start to add up!
Last year, together we raised a fantastic £6,500. This year, we’d love to go even bigger and raise even more to help fund Mind in Harrogate District’s services for local children and young people.
Every pound you raise really does matter. £10 could help pay towards a young person’s counselling session, while £100 could help fund one of our weekly drop-in sessions. So whether you raise £20, £50, £100 or more, it all helps us be there for local young people when they need support.
And there’s an extra incentive! Our top fundraiser will win an amazing pair of Brooks running shoes, which you can choose yourself and have professionally fitted at Up & Running in Harrogate.
So, once you’ve signed up, don’t wait to get started! Set up your fundraising page and start sharing it with friends, family and colleagues. The sooner you start, the easier it is – and you might be surprised by just how much you can raise. And if you need a little inspiration or some fundraising ideas along the way, we’re here to help.
Together, we can help make sure local young people have somewhere to turn when they need support.
FAQs
Where and when?
The Mental Elf Festive Fun Run takes place on Sunday 29th November 2026.
The run takes place at Conyngham Hall, Knaresborough, HG5 9AY. Map link here.
9.30 am – registration opens
10.00 am – enjoy the pre race festive atmosphere with hosting from Your Harrogate
10.30 am – fancy dress competition, including best dressed dog!
11.00 am – run starts
What time do I need to arrive?
Registration opens from 9.30am, please arrive no later than 10.30 to allow time to get registered and down to the start line. There will be lots of entertainment while we get everyone registered, so please come early to join in the fun!
Timings:
9.30 am – registration opens
10.00 am – enjoy the pre race festive atmosphere with hosting from Your Harrogate
10.30 am – fancy dress competition, including best dressed dog!
11.00 am – run starts
What is the route?
This is 5k route which is the same as the Conyngham Hall parkrun. Please see more details here: Conyngham Hall parkrun
Thank you to the fabulous parkrun team for their support with setting out the route.
The route consists of two loops, so if you’d prefer a shorter distance, you’re welcome to complete just one loop instead of the full 5K. Whether you do one loop or both, everyone will receive the same medal, goody bag, and festive cheer!
While the route isn’t ideal for buggies, it’s doable for those who are comfortable with mixed terrain. The course is roughly half tarmac and half trail, with some narrow and uneven sections. Last year we had a few buggy runners – if you’re happy with a bumpy ride and start towards the back, you’re very welcome to take part. Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide what works best for you and your little one.
Where can I park?
Pay and display parking is available at the venue (Conyngham Hall). Last year the car park did fill up, so please car share where possible and allow plenty of time.
Additional parking is available at Henshaw’s Arts and Crafts (50 Bond End, HG5 9AL). Please note that parking at Henshaws is strictly enforced by ANPR cameras, so follow the signage carefully and make sure you pay – otherwise you will receive a ticket. There is also parking in Knaresborough town centre, but please allow enough time to walk down to the venue.
Can I get there via public transport?
Yes! We encourage the use of public transport where possible. Conyngham Hall is just a short walk from Knaresborough train station and the local bus stop at High Bridge, Knaresborough. Please note that the event is on a Sunday so services may be more limited than on a weekday.
What shall I wear?
Festival fancy dress is encouraged! Think elf ears, reindeer antlers, Santa hats, tinsel garlands! The ground is uneven in parts and a mix of trail and tarmac. Sturdy running shoes or trainers are essential.
Can I bring my dog?
Yes – but for insurance reasons, dogs must be kept on a short lead. Don’t forget fancy dress for your pooch!
Are children welcome?
Yes! This is a family friendly event. Children can enter but must be accompanied by an adult.
Is this a timed event?
No, this is a fun run so there will be no running times recorded. However, many keen runners will track their time themselves using Strava or other running apps.
Do I have to run?
No! You can walk, jog or run. There is no time limit!
How much does it cost?
Adult tickets are £15, and children (5 to 15yrs) are priced at £12. Under 5’s are free. Group discounts and early bird tickets are available. Book your tickets here: Mind in Harrogate District – Mental Elf Festive Fun Run 2026
Are there any group discounts?
Yes! We offer a team of 8 runners and a family of 5 runners, both at discounted rates. Book your tickets here: Mind in Harrogate District – Mental Elf Festive Fun Run 2026
Is there an early bird discount?
Yes! There is an ‘Eager Elf’ discount of 25% that is automatically applied to tickets purchased before 8th October. Use code EAGERELF
Book your tickets here: Mind in Harrogate District – Mental Elf Festive Fun Run 2026
Can I get sponsored for my run?
Absolutely! Please create your special Mental Elf Just Giving page here.
Where does my entry fee go?
Proceeds from this event will go to Mind in Harrogate District (registered charity no. 1151271) to help us fund our children and young people’s mental health service.
What’s included in my entry fee?
Your entry fee includes a place in the run, a medal (which doubles as a Christmas decoration) and a goody bag! The fee pays towards the cost of the event and any surplus goes to our Children and Young People’s service.
I can't attend, can I make a donation?
Absolutely. Thank you. Please click here to make a donation to our Mental Elf Campaign on Just Giving.
Download the Mental Elf 2026 Leaflet
Know someone who’d love a festive fun run? Download the Mental Elf 2026 Leaflet and pass it on to your friends, family, workplaces, schools and communities! Let’s run together for mental health!
Acknowledgements
Finally, we’d like to say a huge thank you to Lancashire Mind, who created the original Mental Elf Festive Fun Run concept. We’re incredibly excited to see this event continue to grow year after year across Harrogate and the surrounding district. We’d also like to extend our sincere thanks to our sponsors, whose support makes this event possible: Harrogate Organics, Verity Frearson Estate Agents, S+SA Architects, and Harmony Energy.
Step up your Sponsorship!
We would be incredibly grateful if you could help us raise more funds through sponsorship!
Please create your special Mental Elf Just Giving page by clicking the button below:
Our Goal
We are fundraising for our children and young people’s mental health service in the Harrogate District.
- Counselling sessions for young people aged 11 to 18
- Young people mental health drop in
- Wellbeing workshops in schools and youth clubs
- Resources to support parents and carers of young people struggling with their mental health
With thanks to our Sponsors and Supporters
2025 Photos
Copyright Ruth Hirst Photography
2024 Photos
Copyright Ruth Hirst Photography