Running Elves To Take Over Worthing Seafront in West Sussex Mind’s Festive 5k Fun Run

West Sussex Mind, the Worthing-based mental health charity, has announced it will hold Mental Elf, its third annual festive 5k fun run and walk on Worthing seafront, on Sunday 24 November 2024. 

Sally Gunnell OBE, the only woman to hold World, Olympic, European and Commonweath Gold medals simultaneously, will start the Mental Elf run on Worthing Promenade and lead runners and walkers for an energetic warm-up. Sally will be joined by More Radio breakfast presenter, Jack ‘the Lad’ Hayes, formerly of Heart FM, who will compere Mental Elf this year. 

Last year's Mental Elf saw over 200 people of all abilities and from all sections of the community, run and walk 5km, following the Worthing parkrun route, to raise money for local people's mental health. Together they raised more than £9,200, which part-funded a year’s salary for a youth mental health peer support worker. 

West Sussex Mind hopes that this year's event will attract over 250 runners and walkers, including seasoned runners, families, service users and staff in this fun and inclusive event, which is also wheelchair and pushchair-friendly. Traditionally, people dress as elves and in other festive attire – which creates quite a spectacle on the seafront! - but dressing up isn’t compulsory. There are medals for everyone who takes part and prizes for the first, second and third places in men and women’s categories. 

This year's event is being sponsored by law firm, DMH Stallard, and Aspire Residential estate agents, which is sponsoring Mental Elf for the third year running. The fun run will feature live music from the Spring into Soul Gospel Community Choir and Drumheads Samba Band to entertain runners and walkers as they come through the finish line. There are also refreshments available on site and a Santa sleigh for families, hosted by Lancing and Sompting Lions. Local people are encouraged to come along and cheer the runners and walkers on and enjoy the entertainment. 

Mental Elf will raise vital funds for West Sussex Mind, an independent charity, which relies on fundraising and donations for much of its work. West Sussex Mind has seen a significant increase in demand for its services since the pandemic and worries about the cost of living have continued to fuel demand for mental health support, as well as unmet need among children and young people in the local community.  

West Sussex Mind’s CEO Kerrin Page said: “We are very excited to welcome runners and walkers of all abilities to Mental Elf, our biggest fundraising event of the year. We're delighted to have Sally Gunnell supporting again this year, as it was a highlight for participants to start the race with her, emphasising how people can boost their mental health through physical exercise in our inclusive 5k. Mental Elf is a fantastic opportunity for us to raise awareness about our support, come together with the communities we serve and raise valuable funds for adults and young people who need our help.” 

Amanda Smith, HR director at local law firm and event sponsor, DMH Stallard, said: 

 “At DMH Stallard, mental health awareness and access to confidential support are integral to our firm's culture. We have specially trained mental health first aiders among our staff and organise awareness days. We are delighted to sponsor the Mental Elf fun run and walk and hope that as many people as possible will take part and raise money for West Sussex Mind.” 

Mike Taylor, branch manager at Aspire Residential, which is sponsoring Mental Elf for the third year running, said: 

"It’s a pleasure to support Mental Elf again this year. I took part in the fun run myself last year and I can honestly say that it was a fantastic event filled with community spirit, smiles and the shared goal of supporting mental health. At Aspire Residential, we believe in giving back to our community, and Mental Elf is a wonderful way to show our support for local people’s mental well-being. Grab your tickets, bring your family, and let’s make this year’s run the best one yet!”