Mental Elf Festive Fun Run 2025
The rain didn’t dampen our festive spirit at our fourth Mental Elf Festive Fun Run at Harlow Town Park on Sunday, December 7th.
Around 140 people of all ages (and a few dogs!) took part in the 5km fun run and it was heartwarming to see the smiles and energy of everyone involved shine through despite the weather.
Many participants and volunteers wore festive fancy dress – costumes included Santa, reindeer, Christmas trees and even the Grinch, and of course, many elves!
Everyone who took part in the fun run or volunteered at the event received a free National Trust family day pass. All runners and walkers got a special medal at the finish line, too.
There were also raffles, children’s games and costume prizes to be won on the day.
Each year, our Mental Elf Festive Fun Run aims to bring people together in the spirit of the season, raise mental health awareness and promote the benefits of physical activity to mental health.
It is our main fundraising event each year and supports our work in Harlow, Epping Forest and Uttlesford.
The event raised £2,346.30 this year, though the final total may grow once other expected income is included.
Thank you
We would like to thank everyone who took part in the fun run, the volunteers who helped make the day a success and all the local groups and businesses who supported the event.
Thank you to Charly and the We Are Photo group, Sheryl from Sweat Harlow and Lee from Harlow Parkrun for your roles on the day.
And thank you to all the businesses who donated prizes for the raffle and games: Novotel London Stansted Airport, Roydon Marina Village, Mark Hall Sports Centre. Strike Elite Academy, TeamSport Karting Harlow, Wild ‘n’ Wacky, Skratch18, South Mill Arts, The Panic Room Harlow, Nuclear Races Wild Forest, The Mystery Chest Ltd, Craft-Dee Designs, Primark Harlow and Tesco Church Langley.
Photo credits
You can check out photos from the event below, taken by members of the local @wearephoto photography group.
Photographers: Charly Mae Nelson (@charlymaephotography), Gavin Vickers (@gavtakesphotos), Stella Ogudo (@starliumphotography). Gunjan Jain, Deb Butler and Robert Peters.
