Over 270 participants gathered at Cannon Hill Park for the much-anticipated return of the Mental Elf Fun Run, raising over £19,000, to support the services provided for Birmingham Mind, a leading mental health charity.

The family-friendly event, which saw participants of all ages dress up as festive elves, aimed to raise awareness of mental health and promote wellbeing across the city.

The 5k run brought together families, friends, colleagues, and members of the local community for a fun-filled, festive day that encouraged participants to complete the course in support of better mental health services in Birmingham.

Donations continue to pour in, with funds raised set to support Birmingham Mind’s mental health services, including their walk-in Wellbeing Hub located on Link Street inside the Bullring and Grand Central.

Danny Booth, director of Business Development at Birmingham Mind, shared: “We are so pleased to bring the Mental Elf Fun Run back to Birmingham for the second time. With over 270 elves signed up, we’ve been overwhelmed by the support from those who completed the 1.5K and 5k course. This year’s success has been made possible by the generous support of our sponsors,

“Access Skills Ltd, Love Finance, HTM Ltd and Birmingham Leonardo Royal Hotel, as well as our incredible volunteers. It’s heartwarming to see the community come together in support of mental health services in Birmingham.”

Sam Mason, representing Access Skills Ltd, added: “Access Skills were overwhelmingly proud to be the headline sponsor for the Birmingham Mind Mental Elf event.

“It’s a powerful reminder that mental health is not just an individual journey, but a shared commitment to understanding, supporting, and empowering each other.”

The event was supported by 50 volunteers, including players from the Birmingham Panthers Netball Club, who in addition to supporting the race, offered supporters the opportunity to try their hand at netball too.

Jack Smith, founder and CEO of Love Finance, concluded the event by saying: “We’re absolutely chuffed to have been the medal sponsor for this year’s brilliant Mental Elf Festive Fun Run.

“It was heartwarming to see so many people don their elf outfits and come together for such an important cause.

“At Love Finance, we’re big believers in supporting mental health, and the atmosphere at Cannon Hill Park was nothing short of magical.”

The Mental Elf Birmingham is set to return for its third year in December 2025.

For more information about Birmingham Mind and their services, please visit the website.