Lancashire Mind’s elf-themed fun run is back with a new ho-ho-home for 2024.

Locals are being encouraged to lace up their running shoes and get their best elf costumes ready for the Mental Elf Fun Run at Leyland’s Worden Park.

Taking place on Saturday 30 November, the much-loved event attracted 300 adults and children in fancy dress in 2023.

Organised by mental health charity Lancashire Mind, and now in its 11th year, the event promises a day of festive family fun, community spirit and, most importantly, making a stand for mental health across our local communities.

The concept of the Mental Elf Fun Run was created by Lancashire Mind. As the event enters its second decade, 42 other local Mind charities across the country will be hosting a similar event, having seen the success of the Lancashire event.

Participants of all ages are invited to join in the 2k, 5k or Challenge Your S’Elf distances, all while dressed as festive elves, helping to spread some early Christmas cheer along with raising vital funds for mental health. Participants will each receive a wooden medal, which doubles as a Christmas tree decoration.

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, live music and dance performances, and festive boosts along the route.

All proceeds from the Mental Elf Fun Run go directly to supporting Lancashire Mind’s life-changing mental health services. These funds help provide wellbeing coaching, support groups, and educational programmes to individuals and families in need of mental health support in our community.

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Nicola Tomkins, Community and Events Fundraiser at Lancashire Mind, said: “The Mental Elf Fun Run is more than just a run – it’s a celebration of mental health awareness and community support. It makes a real difference in the lives of those who struggle with their mental health. Every step taken and every donation made helps us continue our essential work in the local community.

“After several successful years at Witton Park in Blackburn, the elves will have a new route to explore around Leyland’s Worden Park this year. Our previous feedback tells us that most of our participants come from central Lancashire postcodes so we’re hoping this will be the biggest Mental Elf yet!”

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The event is being backed by several organisations, led by Preston-based SPAR wholesaler James Hall & Co. Ltd as the headline sponsor once again.

Philippa Harrington, Marketing Manager at James Hall & Co. Ltd, said: “We are delighted to be headline sponsor of Lancashire Mind’s Mental Elf Fun Run.

“It is a fantastic community event that brings Lancashire Mind’s work to life. While dressed up as a fun day out for all the family in the run up to Christmas, it gets people active and socialising and raises hugely important funds that support better mental health for people who live and work in Lancashire.”

To find out more about taking part, volunteering or sponsoring the Mental Elf Fun Run, visit the Lancashire Mind website.

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This story was made possible by you, our readers, and a host of organisations in the city, through our Crowdfund Lancashire appeal, which unlocked support from the Lancashire Culture and Sport Fund provided by Lancashire County Council. You can see all our coverage and, if you know of an arts project or event in the city we should be covering, you can submit it for our event listings and/or send details to contactus@blogpreston.co.uk for us to cover it as a story on the Blog.