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06 Dec 2026 | Itchen Valley Country Park

Mental Elf Festive Fun Run 2026!

On Sunday 6 December 2026, Mental Elf Festive Fun Run will take place at Itchen Valley Country Park, bringing you a 5K of merriness, joy and Christmas spirit.

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Mental Elf Festive Fun Run 2026

Mental Elf Festive Fun Run is back for 2026! Join us this December for this family favourite park run.

Run, walk, skip, wheel or dance, however you move is up to you! Get outside and join us in this festive 5K around Itchen Valley Country Park to spark some Christmas joy in this winter season.

To get in the spirit we encourage you to dress in your best stripey tights - but if a reindeer has eaten your hat, don't worry we come bearing gifts! What makes this 5k so special is the chance to dress up as you make your way to the finish line. 

Register for Mental Elf Festive Fun Run while places last!

Event details

When: Sunday 6 December 2026

Where: Itchen Valley Country Park

Distance: 5K Fun Run 

Time: registration opens at 9.00am, 5K start 10.30am


Ticket prices

Ticket prices: adult £16 (eager elf £12.50), child £12 (eager elf £9.50), family or group (4 people) £48 (eager elf £38.50), infants 0-3yrs are free

Eager Elf early bird offer is available until 31st October

Dogs: £2

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    Important links

    Sign up now Volunteer on the day!

    What to expect:

    Join us for a fun-filled festive morning as people from across our community come together to get active, embrace the season and support better mental health.

    Whether you're taking part to raise money for local mental health services, spend time with family and friends, or simply do something positive for your own wellbeing, Mental Elf is a fantastic event for all ages and abilities.

    This year, we're expecting up to 400 elves to walk, jog and run the course together, creating a brilliant atmosphere along the way.

    What is included in your ticket:

    Elf Yourself Challenge: Stop at stations throughout the 5K course to collect a new piece of elf kit. By the time you cross the finish line, you’ll have transformed into a fully-fledged festive elf, perfect for those finish-line selfies!

    Medal: Every participant will receive a Mental Elf medal, kindly sponsored by David Wilson Homes.

    Goody bag: All finishers will receive a goody bag packed with festive treats.

    Festive team warm up: Start the day with our festive warm-up and get ready to take on the course.

    Winners prizes: There'll be prizes for our fastest finishers and our favourite fancy dress costumes.


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    Videos:

    Local Mind charities up and down the country a will be taking part in this event. Have a look at what West Sussex Mind did back in 2023.
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    You will get to enjoy:

      • A visit from Father Christmas and opportunities for festive photos
      • A special appearance from the Grinch
      • Christmas music throughout the event
      • Local craft and gift stalls
      • Children's activities
      • A fancy dress competition 
      • Hot food and drinks available from the onsite café 
      • Information about Solent Mind's services that are here to support you
    Father Christmas and an elf at the event

    Why support Solent Mind?

    We are Hampshire’s leading mental health charity, and we are dedicated to improving mental wellbeing for people across the region. We believe your Mental ‘Elf’ matters. By taking part in this event and fundraising for your challenge you will be helping to make a positive difference to people in your community at a time many find difficult. All proceeds from tickets sales and fundraising will go to Solent Mind, funding lifesaving services.

    We encourage all elves to challenge themselves to raising £50 for their run. Why not make it your own and see what you can achieve? 

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    Two volunteers in glittery elf hats

    Volunteer on the day!

    Being a volunteer for Solent Mind comes in all shapes and sizes, this December there is an elf-shaped opportunity!

    Help us welcome our fun runners and spread festive joy by volunteering to support Mental Elf Festive Fun Run. 

    Volunteering is one of the best gifts we receive - and we can’t wait to spread some magic this Christmas. Click below to register your interest.

    Register your interest
    Two children about to cross the finish line

    Get your school involved

    We are also launching the first ever year of Mental Elf Festive Fun Run for schools. The project invites local schools to run their own event with the full support of Solent Mind and a whole hub of helpful resources to make festive season fundraising easy and straight forward.

    The initiative will be raising money for both Solent Mind and local schools alike. If your school wants to get involved email us at [email protected]

    Thank you to Paris Smith LLP for sponsoring this project, allowing schools easy access to a mental health partnership and supported fundraising opportunities benefitting families across out community. 

    Find out more information

    FAQs

    Do I have to fundraise?

    To help us continue our life-saving work, we are encouraging everyone to fundraise. We recommend setting your goal at £50. You will have the full support of the fundraising team in the lead up to the event with lots of hints and tips on how to best build your fundraising page and collect donations to support Solent Mind.

    Is it suitable for all ages?

    Yes, please bring the whole family. Please see our accessibility FAQ’s for information on what to expect if you are using a wheelchair, walker, or pushing a pram or a buggy around the course. There will be family activities on site to get involved with. 

    Will there be a Juniors 1K again?

    Unfortunately we have decided to not go ahead with the Junior's 1K for 2026. If there is a big demand for it again then we will consider bringing it back for 2027, so please share you feedback. The course is suitable for push chairs, bikes and scooters for small ones who might not manage the whole 5K. 

    Who can use a family ticket?

    The family ticket applies to both families and groups, it includes 4 people of any age.

    Where can I park?

    Itchen Valley Country Park has a large car park catered for all vehicles, however please bear in mind that there are parking charges. 

    There will also be event stewards in place close to the main parking areas to guide participants to the registration/event area on the day.

    For more parking information, please visit their website.

    What if the weather is bad?

    Being December, there is a chance that there may be some wet weather. Please do dress with the weather forecast in mind. The event will not be cancelled if there is rain, however it may be cancelled if extreme weather conditions make it unsafe to go ahead. There is a café on site and some marquee cover available during registration. 

    Can I bring my dog?

    Dogs are welcome but must stay on a short lead at all times, and need to stay with you during the run, they cannot be tethered up. You must bring poo bags and pick up after your dog. Please use the bins provided or take it home with you. Please bring adequate water for you and your dog. Please note that you will need to buy a ticket for your dog, which is £2, and includes some dog treats which you can collect at registration. We kindly ask you only enter one dog per runner. There will also be a dogs photo area for a festive photo. 

    Unfortunately, we are only able to accept dogs to the event, so all other furry, feathery, and scaled festive helpers will need to stay home.

    Is the event accessible?

    We have taken as many steps as we can to make the event accessible. If you want to know if it will meet your needs, please have a read of our accessibility FAQ’s.

    Can I leave my belongings anywhere?

    We advise all runners to either only bring what they are able to carry during the run, or to leave personal items with friends or family who are coming along as spectators. There will not be a bag drop area. 

    What if I can't come on the day?

    Please let us know by emailing [email protected] with your name and ticket details as soon as you know you are unable to attend. If we do not pick this up on the event day, please do not worry, we will be in contact when we can. Unfortunately, we are not able to offer any ticket refunds in this instance, however if you contact us, you will be able to pass your entry ticket to someone else to take your place. If you have done any fundraising and are not able to take part, we ask you please to let everyone know who has donated to your page that you did not complete the fun run, and we can support you with this.

    Who do I contact if I have further questions?

    Contact Nicky at [email protected] or the Fundraising Team at [email protected]

    Accessibility FAQ's

    Accessibility FAQs coming soon - please get in touch with the fundraising team if you have any questions in the meantime.


    Thank you to our sponsors

    We’d like to extend our heartfelt thanks to David Wilson Homes, our generous Headline Sponsor, for supporting this year’s Mental Elf Festive Fun Run event. Your commitment to mental health wellbeing and festive community spirit makes all the difference in making this event so special.


    Contact details

    If you have any questions about Mental Elf Festive Fun Run, or if you would like more information about Solent Mind, please get in touch with our fundraising team.

    Email us on [email protected] and will get back to you.

    Other ways to support us

    Fundraise for us

    Nobody should face a mental health problem alone. With your support, we can be there for anyone who needs us.

    Donate

    Nobody should face a mental health problem alone. Help us be there for anyone who needs us.

    Take on a challenge

    We know that getting active does great things for our mental health, so by taking on a challenge in aid of Solent Mind, you too will feel the benefits!