Mental Elf Festive Fun Run 2025 — A Joyful Boost for Community Mental Health
On Sunday 30 November, East Kent Mind’s Mental Elf Festive Fun Run returned for what became our biggest fun run yet. The event in Canterbury saw over 330 runners gathering with festive energy – making this edition a remarkable success.
Runners on the 5km route were waved off by the Lord Mayor of Canterbury, Phil Gallagher – aka Mister Maker, and senior staff from ADM Computing and Goldcrest Estates at 10am at the Westgate Gardens. The course went along the paths of the riverside and through the scenic greenery of Hambrook Marshes.
This year’s run welcomed a wide mix of participants: seasoned runners, families with children, people walking or jogging for the first time, and even people running with pets.
The inclusive “walk, jog, skip or hop” ethos that underpins Mental Elf events ensured everyone felt welcome, no matter their pace or experience.
Festive Fun: Elf Hats, Medals, Pet Costumes and Community Spirit
True to the festive spirit, many participants donned elf costumes – and there were cheery smiles, laughter and a light-hearted atmosphere all around. All finishers received a 2025 Mental Elf medal and an elf hat, adding to the sense of community celebration.
The event’s inclusive and festive design helped reinforce the message behind Mental Elf: that mental health isn’t just about support – it’s about connection, community and taking time for wellbeing.
Supporting Mental Health Services Locally
The funds raised, thanks to the 330+ participants and our generous sponsors Guildcrest Estates, ADM Computing, Eye Sky and the National Trust, will go directly to East Kent Mind. So far the event has raised over £7,000 and will help support vital local mental health services and wellbeing programmes. As with previous years, the profits from ticket sales stay within the area to benefit people across East Kent.
By combining physical activity, community spirit and festive cheer, this year’s Mental Elf Fun Run demonstrated just how powerful and positive charity-driven events can be for mental health awareness and real impact.
A Huge Thank You to Everyone Who Joined — And What’s Next
To everyone who ran, walked, volunteered, cheered, donated or otherwise supported the event – thank you. You helped make Mental Elf 2025 our biggest, most successful fun run yet. We hope the spirit of the day stays with you through the season.
We can’t wait to see you again next year. Get ready to don your elf hats, hit the riverside paths, and boost mental health across East Kent together.
Simon Dolby, Development Lead for East Kent Mind said: “It was amazing to see so many fun runners come together and raise funds to support mental health locally. The response from the local community was amazing and it has firmly established Mental Elf on the calendar of key events across Canterbury and East Kent.
“We are delighted to announce that after the roaring success of this year’s event, we will be returning again in 2026. For information, please keep your eyes peeled to our social media and website. You can follow us on Facebook and Instagram.”
To follow East Kent Mind on Facebook, here. For Instagram, click here
