Entries are open for Lancashire Mind’s 11th annual Mental Elf Run – with a change of location for this year.
The mental health charity’s flagship festive event has taken place in Blackburn’s Witton Park for the last few years.
This year’s edition will take place on Saturday, November 30 at Worden Park in Leyland.
The event promises a day full of community spirit and making a stand for mental health across communities in Lancashire.
The concept of the Mental Elf run was created by Lancashire Mind and, as it enters its second decade, 42 other local Mind charities across the country will be hosting similar events in 2024 having seen the success of the fundraiser here.
Participants of all ages are invited to join in the 2km, 5km or Challenge Your S’Elf distances, all while dressed as festive elves, to help spread some Christmas cheer while raising vital funds for mental health.
Participants will each receive a wooden medal which doubles as a Christmas tree decoration.
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!”
The event is being backed by several organisations, led by Preston SPAR wholesaler James Hall & Co. as the headline sponsor.
Philippa Harrington, marketing manager at James Hall & Co, said: “We are delighted to be the 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.”
Lisa Kennery, director of Blackburn accountancy firm Pierce, who is sponsoring the medals, said: “We are proud to be medal sponsor for the Lancashire Mind Mental Elf Run for the third year running because we recognise that mental health is just as important as physical health.
“Supporting this event allows us to champion the cause of mental well-being within our community while encouraging everyone to take steps, both literally and figuratively, towards a healthier mind.”
A spokesperson for start/finish line sponsor Essential Industrial Services said: "It's always a great event to participate in and support Lancashire Mind and Mental Elf. As a local business, we believe it is important to support Lancashire, and Mental Elf always provides an excellent opportunity to raise funds while having fun!"
Eager elves are able to secure a 20 per cent discount on tickets until October 11 by visiting the Lancashire Mind website.
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