Mental Elf Festive fun run

Jingle all the way down to Crystal Palace Park for our Mental Elf 5km event on Sunday 1 December.

It doesn’t matter if you’re a running pro or prefer a gentle stroll, everyone can take part in this festive fun run – the emphasis is on the fun!

This is a great chance to come together with your local community whilst giving back. By getting active and spending time outdoors, you’ll not only be boosting your own mental wellbeing but also raising vital funds for your local mental health and dementia services.

Fancy dress is not mandatory but the best dressed elves (or dogs) will get an optional spotlight on our social media!

Full info and tickets here: https://selmind.org.uk/news/2024/10/mental-elf-festive-fun-run/

What to expect?

• A festive 5k route with a view of Crystal Palace Park’s iconic dinosaurs
• Mr Motivator style warm up from Pure Gym London Borough
• A victory medal when you cross the finish line
• Goody bags
• Elf and Wellness stall
• Neal's Yard elf and beauty pamper stand
• Face painting fun
• Christmas crafts stall
• Close to Crystal Palace Park seasonal food market
• A visit from Santa and his little helper, Cush Jumbo OBE (our official celebrity ambassador)

Buggies welcome as long as you don’t mind potential mud on the two grassy sections of the route. Friendly dogs kept on a short lead are also very welcome to join.

Tickets £15 for a limited time. Under 16s come for free (must be with an adult).

If you need any further incentive to sign up, all ticket holders can opt in to win two tickets to the sold out West End run of Macbeth starring Cush Jumbo OBE and David Tennant. Tickets will be for the performance at 7:30pm on Wednesday 11 December.

When?

Sunday 1 December, registration at 10am for 11am run start

About the route

The course is 5km and will be approximately one and a half laps. Most of the route will be tarmac paths and gravel track, with two grass sections.

Lap 1

• You’ll start with a gentle uphill, reaching the concert venue, with the lake to your left
• Head back downhill, the lake will still be on your left
• Turn right onto a grassy track, the skatepark will be on your right
• Loop around the dinosaur lake and return to the start
• You’ve now completed Lap 1!

Lap 2

• Go back up to the concert venue and head back down
• Don’t turn right onto the grassy track – keep going on to the gravel path further along, then turn right
• Halfway along this path, turn left and finish the run
• You’ve now complete the Festive Fun Run! Huzzah!

How to get there

Arrive to register at Crystal Palace Park Information Centre, Thicket Rd, London SE20 8DT. The closest park entrance is on Thicket Road.

Trains

• Penge West Station: 5 minute walk (Overground line and Southern train services)
• Crystal Palace Station: 10-15 minute walk (Overground line, Southern and South Eastern train services)
• Penge East Station: 15 minute walk (South Eastern train services)

Buses

Buses from across South London stop at several locations around the park. Plan your journey here.

Parking

Parking is very limited in and around the park so we strongly advise people to come by public transport, by bike or by foot.

Can your business help us?

Keen to help your local community? Want a team building day for your staff? Looking for a way to get your name out there?

We’ve got you covered! Whether you want to sponsor our Mental Elf run or stuff our Christmas stockings (goody bags), there are plenty of ways you can get involved and give back this festive season. See the ways your business can help out here.

Host or Publisher South East London Mind