Mental Elf is Coming to Knaresborough! Only Two Weeks Left to Buy Tickets!
The Mental Elf 5K Fun Run is nearly here, set for Sunday, 1st December 2024 at Conyngham Hall, Knaresborough. With just two weeks left to buy tickets, this festive, family-friendly event is the perfect way to get active, connect with the community, and support mental health services through Mind in Harrogate District.
The Mental Elf 5K is part of a network of over 50 Local Mind events happening nationwide. Each Local Mind is an independent charity run by local people, for local people, and relies on community support for funding and services. Proceeds from this event will fund Mind in Harrogate District’s mental health initiatives for children and young people, including counselling for ages 11–18 and Drawing and Talking interventions for primary-aged children.
The 5K course will follow the scenic Conyngham Hall Parkrun route—a beautiful and familiar setting for the local running community, thanks to support from the Parkrun team.
Participants of all ages and fitness levels are encouraged to come dressed as elves or in other festive costumes. Special prizes, including a Family Ticket to Mother Shipton’s Cave and Afternoon Tea at Rudding Park, will be awarded for the Best Dressed Elf (adult and junior). There is also a prize for the Best Dressed Dog!
Our new MP, Tom Gordon, will be officially starting the race and participating himself, highlighting his support for mental health initiatives. Coach Gyms will lead a pre-race warm-up and award 12-month memberships to the fastest finishers. Nick Hancock and Your Harrogate will host the event, with live entertained by the Harrogate Rock Choir adding to the festive vibe.
Holly Astbury, Lead Organiser from Mind in Harrogate District, said:
“We’re proud to be hosting our first Mental Elf Event. Running or walking can help us switch off from everyday pressures, relieve stress, and give us time to clear our heads. When you exercise, you release ‘feel good’ hormones, which reduce negative feelings and improve mood. It’s a natural way of reducing cortisol, the ‘stress hormone’ linked to depression and anxiety. Joining one of these fun, inclusive 5K runs is a perfect chance to boost mental and physical health while supporting our work to ensure everyone in Harrogate district with a mental health problem gets the respect and support they deserve.”
“Ticket sales are going well, and we’re thrilled by the enthusiastic response from the community. However, there’s still room for more participants, so don’t miss out on joining the fun and helping raise awareness for mental health in the Harrogate District. We’ve had a fantastic response from corporate teams, showing that the event is also a great team-building opportunity and a way for businesses to show their commitment to the community.”
With individual, family, and team tickets still available, the Mental Elf Fun Run is an event not to miss. Visit Mental Elf Fun Run - Harrogate Mind to secure your spot and join us for a festive day out in support of a great cause.
