Mental Elf Festive Fun Run

Sunday 30th November 2025

Our fabulous Mental Elf Festive Fun Run is now most definitely a firm favourite in our calendar of events.

We’re back at Sherwood Pines for the 4th year with our festive 5km fun run, and we have plans to keep making it bigger and better than previous years.  

What better way to kickstart your festive season than with a festive run in the beautiful setting of Sherwood Pines – all while dressed as an elf!  It’s a family event and everyone is welcome.

Take part in our Festive Family Fun Run at Sherwood Pines!

Sunday 30th November 2025
11am start (registration opens at 10am)
Sherwood Pines Forest Park, Edwinstowe NG21 9JL

Walk, run, dance or skip through Sherwood Pines on Sunday 30th November! The event is open to all abilities and ages.

  • Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
  • Discounts are available for family and group/corporate teams.
  • Children under 5 are free.
  • Well behaved dogs on a short lead are also welcome, maximum 1 per adult.
  • 5km route through the forest.
  • Fancy dress is optional – but definitely encouraged!

All participants will receive a medal and goody bag at the finish line.

A reduced parking rate at Sherwood Pines has been agreed with Forestry Commission for all those participating in the event.

Our Mental Elf Festive Fun Run for 2025 is now SOLD OUT!!

We are thrilled by the number of elves who are joining our fun run, and can’t wait to greet them all at Sherwood Pines on Sunday 30th  November.

A group of volunteers cheering. Most are wearing festive fancy dress.
A group of runners, most in festive fancy dress, starting a fun run

NOW SOLD OUT!

Join us for Mental Elf Festive Fun Run 2025!

Click the button below to book your tickets through our online shop. (Standard ticket prices now apply).

Be part of the festive fun! Run, walk, roll, or join in your own way — everyone’s welcome.

2025 ticket prices

EAGER ELF – available until 10th October

Adult – £20.00

Child – £12.00 (aged 5-17yrs)

Child under 5 – FREE

Family – £50.00 (4 people, max 2 adults)

Dog – FREE (max 1 per adult)

Team – £110.00 (max 8 people)

STANDARD PRICES

Adult – £22.50

Child – £16.00 (aged 5-17yrs)

Child Under 5 – FREE

Family – £60.00 (4 people, max 2 adults)

Dog – FREE (max 1 per adult)

Team – £125.00 (max 8 people)

Event Summary

Date:  Sunday 30th November 2025

Location:  Sherwood Pines Forest Park, Edwinstowe NG21 9JL

Registration Opens:  10am

Run Starts:  11am

Distance:  5km

Dress code:  Fancy dress is encouraged!

Competitions:  Various opportunties for best dressed Elves!

About the Venue

Our Mental Elf Festive Fun Run will take place once again at Sherwood Pines Forest Park, Edwinstowe.

Getting to Sherwood Pines

Sherwood Pines is located in the heart of Sherwood Forest, Nottinghamshire, on the B6030 between Kings Clipstone and Edwinstowe.  There is ample parking on site.

For further details about Sherwood Pines and getting there, please click here.

Corporate Opportunities

Last year we had some fantastic support from our incredible Nottinghamshire businesses and we would like to invite you to get involved in our Mental Elf Festive Fun Run again this year.   It’s a great opportunity for some festive teambuilding, with discounted group tickets available.

We also have a range of corporate sponsorship packages available.  These enable us to minimise our event costs, meaning more of the funds raised can go into providing our much needed community mental health support.  

What better way to show your employees and colleagues that their mental health matters while helping a local charity make a real difference in your community.

If you have questions, you can email us at fundraising@ nottinghamshiremind.org.uk. We’d love to talk to you about how you can support our cause.

FAQ's

Is there parking on site?

Yes, there is a large car park with ample parking.  A reduced parking rate has been agreed for event participants (a voucher/code will be supplied).

Are there toilets?

Yes, there is a toilet block at the start/finish area, near to the Visitor Welcome Centre.

Are spectators allowed?

Yes, definitely.  Anyone who wants to come along and cheer family or friends on is welcome.  Sherwood Pines is an amazing site and there is plenty to see and do, and we’re aiming to have fun and games at the Event Village to take part in too.

What about pushchairs and wheelchairs?

The route is suitable for most all-terrain or sturdy wheelchairs and pushchairs. As Sherwood Pines is a forest site, the route follows natural paths and the ground may be uneven or slippery depending on weather conditions, so extra care may be needed.

Will there be food available?

Yes, the cafe at Sherwood Pines will be open as usual.  You are also welcome to bring your own drinks and snacks.

What if the weather is bad?

Our aim is that the event will go ahead come rain or shine.  We will only cancel if there is an extreme weather warning or we are advised by Sherwood Pines that cancelling is the safest option.  In this instance, we will try to reschedule the event to a new date as soon as possible.

Do I have to get sponsorship?

We think it’s the taking part that really counts, so you don’t have to fundraise. However if you do want to help raise additional funds for Nottinghamshire Mind and ask family and friends to sponsor you, we would be truly grateful!

Can I get a refund?

Unfortunately, tickets are non-refundable.

Can’t find the answer to your question? 

Email us at fundraising@ nottinghamshiremind.org.uk

Finally, we want to say a big thank you to Lancashire Mind who created the original Mental Elf Fun Run concept. We are super excited to grow this event year on year in Nottinghamshire!
Please note: this Mental Elf Festive Fun Run is a fundraising event organised by Nottinghamshire Mind.  The Mental Elf TM blog is a separate initiative run independently, providing short, evidence-based summaries of new mental health research. You can visit the blog here: https://www.nationalelfservice.net/mental-health/