A FESTIVE fun run is coming to Poundbury this Christmas to raise money for mental health support across Dorset.
Dorset Mind will hold its first Mental Elf Festive Fun Run at The Great Field on Sunday, December 13.
The non-competitive 5K event will begin at noon, and participants can walk, jog or run the course at their own pace.
Organisers say there will be no pressure to race or achieve a particular time, with the emphasis instead on bringing the community together and raising money for mental health services.
The event forms part of the nationwide Mental Elf Festive Fun Run movement, which sees local Mind charities hosting events around the country during the Christmas period.
People can take part individually or sign up with friends, family or work colleagues, with festive outfits encouraged.
Emma Murgatroyd, community and events fundraising manager at Dorset Mind, said: “We’re really excited to bring our outreach to Dorchester, the county town, and to hold our first Mental Elf Festive Fun Run at The Great Field, such a well-loved location for the local parkrun community.
“The event is part of a much wider movement taking place across many Local Minds around the country, and we’re looking forward to creating our own event here in Dorset.
“We want people to feel welcome, whether they’re walking with friends, getting the family involved or bringing colleagues along for a festive team challenge.
“You don’t need to be a runner, and there’s no pressure to race. It’s about coming together, enjoying the festive season and helping us make a difference to mental health locally.”
Early Elf tickets are available until Friday, November 13, costing £12 for adults aged 16 and over and £5 for children aged five to 15.
A family ticket, covering two adults and up to three children aged five to 15, costs £32.
After the deadline, prices will rise to £15 for adults, £7 for children and £40 for a family ticket.
Children aged under five can take part free of charge but must still be registered, while under-16s must attend with a registered adult.
Money raised will help Dorset Mind continue supporting people experiencing mental health difficulties across the county.
Further details and booking information are available from Dorset Mind’s website.
Share