After last year’s event was sadly cancelled due to poor weather, this year’s Brecon and District Mind Mental Elf run was even more heavily anticipated.

The festive family fun run went ahead on Sunday, November 30, where participants ran, jogged, and walked 5km on The Promenade in Brecon, all while dressed in festive gear.

A huge turnout took part, and helped raise more than £2,850 for Brecon and District Mind, with even more funds expected to trickle in. Fundraising campaigns for Mind are staying open until the end of January 2026, when they will tot up the final total.

As well as the fun run, there was plenty of other festive activities taking place with a hot drink station, a choir performance, and a goody bag with a medal. Prizes were also given out to the best fancy dress outfits.

The inclusive event is non-competitive, and focuses on bringing people together to not only raise money but to also raise awareness of mental health and wellbeing.

Brecon and District Mind CEO Marie Davies reflected on a successful event. She said: “It was a fantastic day full of community spirit and festive fun... a huge thank you to everyone who has supported the event.

“We'd also like to mention our sponsors for the event, Beacons Glazing, CMJ Motors and thanks to Roy Hatton Car Sales who provided our hi-vis vests. Thanks also to Stephanie Smith of Mid Wales Opera for leading a rousing carol sing-along, the Merythr Tydfil Fire Cadets for their support on the day, to Brecon Town Council for their willingness to lend us their marquee and various pieces of equipment, and to Brecon Mayor, Marie [Matthews], for leading our countdown and judging our fancy dress.“

MP for Brecon, Radnor and Cwm Tawe David Chadwick also attended the event. He said: "What a lovely morning it was this morning in Brecon! Well done to everyone who took part in the Brecon & District Mind Mental Elf Fun Run.

“Thank you to the very cheerful organisers - I hope you made a lot of money for a very good cause... we enjoyed the run and the goody bags."

Organisers also received feedback from the community. Alison Stratford said: "Such a great event and we were blessed with wonderful weather, thanks to all who sponsored, volunteered, helped, made the cakes/tea/coffee and put such a great event together."

The PAVO team also commended the event. A spokesperson said: "Blue skies and a buzzing atmosphere - thank you to everyone who made it happen."

Brecon and District Mind also hosted a Virtual Mental Elf Festive Fun Run for those who could not make it on the day to take part.

The charity joined the Mind network in 2013 and since then has been offering bereavement support, counselling, family support, and more mental health and wellbeing services ever since. They have hosted multiple projects and fundraisers to keep the service running to help local people manage their mental health and wellbeing.