Birmingham Mind is inviting people across the city to swap the winter blues for festive cheer as its Mental Elf Festive Fun Run returns to Cannon Hill Park on Sunday 29th November 2026.
Now in its fourth year, the event will see participants take part in either a 5km or shorter 1.5km route, with runners, walkers and wheelchair users all encouraged to take part at their own pace.
Registration opens at 10.30am, with both routes starting at noon near the park’s bandstand. Children are welcome, with under-16s required to take part alongside a responsible adult.
All participants will receive a finisher’s medal and goody bag, while children aged five and under can take part for free.
The fundraiser has a target of £25,000 for 2026, following last year’s event which raised almost £20,000. Birmingham Mind says the money raised will support vital mental health services across Birmingham and Solihull.
The charity is encouraging participants to aim to raise £50 each, with donations helping fund services and activities for people experiencing mental health difficulties in the local community.
The Mental Elf Festive Fun Run is open to people of all ages and abilities, with no time limit on either route. Participants can run, walk or wheel their way around the course — making the event accessible to families, friends, colleagues and community groups.
Birmingham Mind is also looking for volunteers to help support the event on the day. Volunteers will play an important role in making the fun run a success, while helping raise awareness and funds for mental health services across Birmingham and Solihull. Those interested can sign up through the charity’s volunteer registration form.
With festive costumes, community spirit and a cause at its heart, Birmingham Mind hopes the 2026 event will be its biggest Mental Elf run yet.
More information here: – https://birminghammind.org/get-involved/fundraise/mental-elf-festive-fun-run-2026/
Volunteer Registration form: – https://forms.cloud.microsoft/e/M071baHJMi?origin=lprLink
