Get yoursELF ready — entries to our 2026 Mental Elf Festive Fun Run (and walk) are open!
Get ready to get festive with Mental Elf!
We’re thrilled to bring you our annual 5K Mental Elf Festive Fun Run (and Walk) along Worthing Promenade on Sunday 29 November!
Grab your elf outfit, gather your friends and family, and sign up today! Whether you run, jog or walk, it’s a fantastic way to have some fun, get active and, most importantly, help support local people with their mental health.
And that’s not all… there’ll be plenty of festive fun on the morning, including music, food and children’s activities to keep everyone entertained!
So, what are you waiting for? Get your tickets, round up your elves and join us for a morning of festive fun while supporting local mental health!
We can’t wait to see you there!
We’ve also got more options this year!
Not sure you can manage 5K? Don’t worry! This year we also have a 2K route, which you can run or walk. It’s perfect for anyone who would love to take part but feels that 5K might be a little too far — and it’s ideal for families with younger children too!
If fundraising isn’t for you, we have a ticket option where there’s no fundraising target. Or, if you’d like to raise money for West Sussex Mind, there’s a lower-cost ticket with a £50 fundraising target. A great-value family ticket is also available, covering up to five people.
Getting into the festive spirit
Elf costumes are encouraged and preferred but not essential. We hope to see many dressed up as elves - it's a great way to get into the festive spirit and show your support for local people.
Why take part in the Mental Elf Festive Fun Run?
We are a local independent charity, we support people with their mental health, provide specialist training and campaign to improve services and understanding. By taking part in Mental Elf you are not just attending a fun event, but also helping us continue providing the vital support we give to local people with their mental health.
Where and when will the Mental Elf Festive Fun Run take place?
Run or walk along Worthing seafront, from Splashpoint to Grand Avenue (the Worthing park run route) on Sunday 29 November.
How much does it cost?
Tickets cost:
£21 for adults doing 5k
£15 for adults doing 5k and pledging to raise £50
£15 for adults doing 2k
£10 for adults doing 2k and pledging to raise £50
£10 for under 16's
£25 for family ticket
If you sign up before 19 October you'll receive a 20% discount if you use the code EBDiscount2026.
Looking to sign up as a team? We have a 20% discount for four or more tickets which will be applied at checkout.
What does my ticket include?
Tickets include:
- An entry to the Mental Elf Festive Fun Run
- A bespoke environmentally friendly medal for every elf
- A great running/walking experience with support, cheers and well-being boosts along the way
- That feel good feeling that comes from supporting your local mental health charity.
As our primary fundraising event of the year, the Mental Elf Festive Fun Run is very important to us. Every ticket sale and donation will generate vital funds to enable West Sussex Mind to support local adults and young people with their mental health.
Medal information for Mental Elf:
For more information regarding our bespoke environmentally friendly medal please see this document.
Day schedule:
5k event registration on the day: From 9am (head to the West Sussex Mind gazebo on the green to sign up)
Free warm up session: 10:15am
5k Wave 1 runners start: 10.30am
Wave 2 walkers and everyone else starts: 10.40am
2km event registration on the day: from 9am
Everyone starts at 10:50am
How do I sign up?
To sign up click on the button at the top of this page and follow the instructions given. Or click here.
As a charity, we rely on fundraising and donations for much of our work. So please consider fundraising when you sign up and get friends and family to support you. Every donation will help us continue our vital work.
If you have any questions or issues, please email fundraising@westsussexmind.org.
Finally, we want to say a big thank you to Lancashire Mind who created the original Mental Elf Festive Fun Run concept. We are super excited to grow this event year on year in West Sussex!
Frequently asked questions:
Do I have to fundraise?
You don't have to fundraise, if you purchase £21 tickets there is no obligation to fundraise. However, if you purchase the £15 ticket we ask you to pledge to raise at least £50.
Where does the money fundraised go?
The money fundraised through ticket sales and sponsorship goes directly to supporting people in West Sussex with their mental health. This includes such help services as our helpline, families with young children support, support for young people support, older people support, parenting support, outreach work and more.
Can people sign up on the day?
Yes, people can sign up on the day. However, to ensure your place (and for ease), it is much preferred for people to sign up before the day.
What should I wear?
Many people like to get into the festive spirit and wear an Elf outfit! It's a great way of having fun and showing support. However, suitable running/exercise gear is also recommended.
Will there be medical assistance at the event?
Yes, there will be medical assistance available for the whole duration of the event.
With thanks to our sponsors DMH Stallard and Aspire Residential.
