❄️ Mental Elf – Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Mental Elf Fun Run?
Mental Elf is a festive 3k or 5k fun run at Dalby Forest on Sunday 29th November 2026, raising funds to support local mental health services through Scarborough, Whitby and Ryedale Mind.
Alongside the run, there’s a Christmas Market in the Courtyard with stalls, activities, Santa’s Grotto, and special live performances.
How much does it cost?
- Adults: £15 (£12 Eager Elf price in August)
- Children: £10 (£8 Eager Elf price in August)
- Fundraising Pledge Entry: Free to enter, but you must raise at least £75 in sponsorship.
What’s included with my ticket?
Every runner receives:
- Elf ears or hat 🎅
- A goodie bag
- A special Mental Elf medal at the finish line
What time does it start?
- We recommend arriving from 10:00am to allow time for check-in and warm-up.
- The fun run starts at 11:00am.
How do I check in on the day?
Please bring your ticket (printed or on your phone). At check-in you’ll be given:
- Your race number
- A place to provide your emergency contact details
Do I have to run?
Nope! You can run, walk, skip, jump, or dance your way around the route. It’s all about festive fun.
Can children take part?
Yes! Children are very welcome.
- Ages 14 and under must be accompanied by an adult.
- Buggies and well-behaved dogs on leads are also welcome.
Is fancy dress required?
Not at all – but it’s highly encouraged!
Is the event accessible?
The routes are mostly forest tracks. Some sections may be uneven or muddy depending on weather. If you have accessibility needs, please contact us in advance so we can advise.
Will there be first aid?
Yes, paramedics and first aiders will be onsite throughout the event.
Can I fundraise?
We’d love you to! We encourage everyone to raise at least £40, or take part on a pledge entry and commit to £75+. You can set up a JustGiving page for Scarborough, Whitby and Ryedale Mind.
Where does the money go?
All funds raised go directly to support local mental health services provided by Scarborough, Whitby and Ryedale Mind.
What if I don’t want to be photographed?
We will have a photographer will be at the event. If you’d prefer not to be photographed, please let us know at check-in and we’ll give you a blue race number so we can make sure you’re not included in photos.
How do I set up a JustGiving page?
It’s quick and easy to set up your own fundraising page to support Scarborough, Whitby and Ryedale Mind and connect it to our event:
-
Go to www.justgiving.com
-
Click Start Fundraising
-
Search for Scarborough, Whitby and Ryedale Mind as your chosen charity
-
When asked to choose an event, select SWR Mind Mental Elf 2026
-
Personalise your page with a photo, your story, and why you’re taking part
-
Share your page with friends, family, and colleagues via social media, email, or WhatsApp
By linking to the official event, your fundraising will count towards the Mental Elf 2026 total, and you’ll be part of our amazing Team Elf!
💡 Tip: Fundraisers who add a personal story and photo raise up to 40% more!
Feel free to use the below images for your fundraising:
