A charity fun run in which participants dress up as elves is returning to Bradley Stoke on Sunday 4th December 2022 following a two-year break due to the Covid-19 pandemic (although a ‘virtual’ event was held in 2020).
Organised by members of North Bristol Running Group, the 6km Mental ‘Elf Run starts from Meadowbrook Primary School and takes in parts of the Three Brooks Local Nature Reserve.
With a minimum participant age of 11 years, the run should appeal to local families looking for some pre-Christmas fun. The course, which avoids road crossings, can be completed by either running, jogging or walking. There is a time limit of 1 hour 30 minutes. Unfortunately no buggies or dogs are permitted.
The event, which raises money for the Mental Health Foundation, was the idea of Debra Fry who raised funds for the charity through her participation in the 2018 London Marathon.
Debra continued to fundraise for the charity in 2019 by taking on their challenge of trekking the Great Wall of China, which required her to raise a significant amount, so she came up with the idea of a Mental ‘Elf run as a variation on the more usual Santa-themed runs. She explained:
“I thought this kind of event is in keeping with mental health. It gets you outside in the fresh air, into our local green space (the nature reserve). Exercise is great for mental health, whether it be running or walking. It’s social and a bit of fun too. I’d like to think that it also brings a smile to anyone who sees all the elves participating in the event.”
North Bristol Running Group (NBRG), of which Debra is a member, stepped in to help make sure everything ran smoothly.
This year’s renewal will once again see NBRG members, dressed as Santa, marshalling the course, and forming a crew based at the school for registration/number collection and the timing.
All finishers will receive a bespoke mug, designed by Debra, of which she says:
“The first year we held a medal design competition at the school, the second year, our virtual event, the design competition was put to NBRG members. This year I have designed the finishers mug. I have gone with a mug for a few reasons. It is something you can use all year round, not just hide in a drawer or hang on the wall – and taking a break is always good for your mental health.”
Hot drinks and cake will be available to purchase at the school before and after the run.
How to enter
Entries must be made via a dedicated event page on the RaceNation website.
- The entry fee is £16 per person
- There are 250 places available
- Minimum participant age is 11 years
No refunds will be given, however, name swaps will be permitted until Friday 2nd December 2022.
Further information and updates may be found at NBRG’s 6k Mental ‘Elf Charity Fun Run (on Facebook).
Feedback from the 2019 event
Tony Worgan: “They used to call running events “fun runs” back in the 80s. Having run in the very first Mental ‘Elf 6k Charity Fun Run in Bradley Stoke, I can honestly say it really brings back the fun in run! All the athletes dressed as elves – and all the volunteers dressed as Santa! I really loved it, and would highly recommend it to everyone! A well-run event for all the family – mine will all be there, so we’ll see you there on 4th December!
Dave Sharratt: “It was a crisp December morning in 2019 when I cycled over to Meadowbrook Primary School to take part in my first organised fun run – the Bradley Stoke Mental ‘Elf 6k. All manner of elf-related costume from token efforts to full suits, not to mention the Santa marshals, appeared over the next 15 minutes and got ready to go. Coming together to spread a bit of amusement to passing motorists and cheer each other on through this fun, local event is exactly what running should be… a chance to get out, move, breath, enjoy the area and feel supported by all those around you. I was hooked.”
Photos of the 2019 event
About NBRG
NBRG is a friendly, free running group which meets on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings for organised social runs. Find out more on their Facebook page.
