The elves are coming back to town as our Mental Elf Festive Fun Run is back and better than ever for 2026!

With prizes, a brass band and a brand new venue, there's double the space for runners of all ages and abilities to jingle their bells round a family friendly 5K route. 

Grab your calendars as this years event is taking place around the grounds of UEA on Sunday 29th November, so save that date! (Perfect time to earn some last minute brownie points with Santa).

Whether you're a perky park running elf or a casual fast walking elf, everyone is welcome and encouraged to join this year's festive fun!
 

Did someone mention prizes?

This year there's even more reason to be merry, as each kilometre marker around the course will be an opportunity to win a prize from one of our sponsors! Whether you're the cheekiest elf, most excited elf, best dressed elf or your four-legged prancer is crowned best dressed doggie... there's lots of chances to go home with more than a medal this time too!

What's next?

Our Eager Elf tickets will be released on the 17th August 2026, so set your reminders to grab your spaces then. Details of the exact route and running of the day will be updated here soon, so keep your eyes and elf ears out on our socials for some sneak peak previews and prize announcements from our sponsors too.  

Event sponsorship

Norfolk and Waveney Mind’s Mental Elf Festive Fun Run was proudly sponsored by Spire Solicitors in 2025, as well as the generous support of Nottcutts Norwich.

This year, not only is it a new location but we also have brand new sponsorship opportunities too. Our headline Head Elf package and multiple Jingle Bell Champions packages are up for grabs, so there's lots of ways your business can get involved with the festivities, (all in a  much more fun way than simply adding your logo and getting a shout out on the day). 

We are incredibly grateful for the sponsorship and support provided to us by local organisations who understand the importance of mental health in our community.

If your organisation would like to get involved with the fun-draising we do via sponsorship, get in touch with our Fundraising and Events team via [email protected]

Volunteering

Our wonderful route marshal volunteers helped spread festive cheer and motivation to our runners, pointing the way round round our route! We would love it if you'd join us in making our 2026 fun run even more magical by signing up! Please email [email protected] to register your jingle bell interest.

Events like this are a team effort, as the Norfolk and Waveney Mind elves can't work alone! Your support makes all the difference. 

If you have any questions about Mental Elf please contact our friendly fundraising team by emailing [email protected]