Your Harrogate Radio

10:00pm - 7:00am

Email the studio

Foo Fighters

Best of You

Listen Live

Mental elf fun run raises £6,500 for Mind in Harrogate

Tuesday, 2 December 2025 13:05

The Mental Elf Fun Run returned to Knaresborough last month.

This year’s Mental Elf Festive Fun Run has raised more than £6,500 for Mind in Harrogate District.

More than 270 people signed up for the festive charity event, and around 250 took part on the day.

Runners and walkers of all ages completed the course in an array of Christmas-themed outfits, helping create what organisers described as a warm and joyful atmosphere.

A spokesperson for Mind in Harrogate said:

“This year’s Mental Elf Festive Fun Run was another huge success - full of festive cheer, brilliant costumes, community spirit, and incredible generosity.

“Thanks to everyone who ran, walked, volunteered, sponsored and supported, the event has already raised an incredible £6,549 for Mind in Harrogate District!”

Local MP Tom Gordon officially started the run before joining participants on the route and Your Harrogate's Pete Egerton hosted the event.

More than 40 volunteers supported the event behind the scenes, ensuring it ran smoothly and safely.

Organisers said the total raised may continue to grow as further sponsorship comes in.

Caleb Aylesbury and Annmarie Bulcock were named the event’s fastest “speedy elves”, each receiving a year’s membership at Coach Gyms.

The fancy-dress competition was won by Barry Clarkson as the Grinch, followed by Gabby Copeland’s carrot costume.

Young participant Annie Astbury also received recognition for her outfit, while Lily the dachshund proved a popular winner with judges and spectators.

Sponsors included Verity Frearson Estate Agents, Coach Gyms and Strive Group, with additional prize donations from local organisations. Photography on the day was provided by Ruth Hirst Photography.

More from Local News

Harrogate Town Women to face Leeds United

Harrogate Town Women will host Leeds United Women at The Exercise Stadium on Saturday 14th March.
MP and Green Councillors call for Harrogate Spring Water decisions to be made in public

Local Green councillors and Member of Parliament Tom Gordon have called for key decisions on the Harrogate Spring Water planning application to be made publicly by the Planning Committee.
Harrogate local to take on The Great Wall of China this September

Emily Lethaby, 31, will travel to China to trek 100km along remote sections of the Great Wall over five demanding days as part of the CoppaTrek! challenge with Giovanna Fletcher.
Harrogate named a finalist in the UK Wellbeing Living Awards 2026

Harrogate has been recognised as a Finalist in the UK Wellbeing Living Awards 2026, an initiative presented by The Oak Tree Practice, a leading UK mental health and wellbeing therapy practice.
North Yorkshire councillor describes parking fee increase as "stealth tax"

Planned increases to parking fees in North Yorkshire have been described as a “stealth tax” by a North Yorkshire councillor.
Total Wipeout-themed event to return to Harrogate

Mothering Funday is set to return to Harrogate town centre this spring, Harrogate BID has announced.
Oatlands Infants wins national award for inclusion

A Harrogate primary school has been awarded FLAGSHIP Status - the highest level of award - in their latest Inclusion Quality Mark (IQM) review.
New local theatre company brings first play to Harrogate

Edward Albee’s 'The Zoo Story', a timely, award-winning play exploring young male loneliness, comes to Harrogate from 28th February, starring ex-St.John Fisher actor Frankie Bounds
Jail and Bail: How to support Harrogate Theatre fundraiser

A team of well-known Harrogate figures and community leaders will be facing 'time behind bars' in aid of Harrogate Theatre next week.
Parking charge increase set to cost motorists an extra £3.5m

Opposition councillors have criticised a rise in parking fees set to cost North Yorkshire motorists more than £3.5m a year in extra charges.
Tom Gordon reselected as Liberal Democrat candidate for Harrogate

Tom Gordon has been unanimously reselected by local members of the Liberal Democrats as the party's Parliamentary Candidate for Harrogate and Knaresborough at the next General Election.
Route timings revealed for Knaresborough Tractor Run

Excitement is building for the 2026 Knaresborough Tractor Run, with organisers confirming the official route timings for this year’s much-anticipated event.
Pilot dies following aircraft crash near Masham, police confirm

North Yorkshire Police have confirmed that the pilot involved in Wednesday’s light aircraft crash near Grewelthorpe, close to Masham, has sadly died.
Ripon's Portly Pig to host charity football tournament

A new charity football tournament aimed at bringing Ripon’s business community together will take place this summer.
Council to review parking charges across North Yorkshire

Parking charges across North Yorkshire, including in Harrogate, could change from April if new proposals are approved.
Free packed lunches at Starbeck café feed families in need

Nearly 100 people received free packed lunches at a Starbeck café during the half-term break.
Harrogate dentist recognised at national dental awards

A Harrogate dentist has been recognised at Bupa's 'Dental Health is… Awards'.
Knaresborough beeswax candle shop set to close

An iconic beeswax candle shop in Knaresborough is set to close its doors today (Friday) for the final time.
Harrogate Town launches new half-time crossbar challenge

Harrogate Town are giving supporters the chance to test their shooting skills at half-time – with hundreds of pounds in local gift cards up for grabs.
Queen and ABBA tribute acts to headline Harrogate Beer Festival

This year's Harrogate Beer Festival will feature two leading tribute acts when it returns to the town, organisers have revealed.