Elves off the shelves, running in Barry's 'Mental Elf Run'

The Mental Elf Run was hosted on December 3 and, despite the weather, the event was a success.

The name, a play on mental health, the Mental Elf run saw families run two kilometres across Whitmore Bay seafront, all to raise awareness of taking care of your mental wellbeing.

Families came out for the Mental elf Run, including the Jeynes and Morris' (Image: Newsquest)

Despite the weather families had a great time, including the Owens (Image: Newsquest)

Put on with the help of Barry Town Council, the mayor of Barry was at the event promoting the mayor’s charity this year; Mind mental health in the Vale of Glamorgan.

On the day, adults, children and dogs ran for their mental health, receiving a fundraising pack, elf-themed accessories and a medal for their efforts.

The event was put on with the help of the BTC supporting the Mayor's charity (Image: Supplied)

The mayor handed out treats and medals (Image: Supplied)

Mayor Cllr Ian Johnson said he was delighted to see the work being done on people’s wellbeing both physically and mentally in the county.

“As one of my Mayoral Charities, I’m really pleased that Barry Town Council is working with Mind in the Vale to put on this event,” said the mayor.

“This is a great opportunity to put on your running shoes for a really good cause, and have a fun day out on Barry Island just before Christmas.”

The Virgills with their medals (Image: Newsquest)

Santa gave out the medals, and the famous Barry bananas! (Image: Newsquest)

The run was part of Barry's Christmas festivities including the town's lights switch-on (Image: Newsquest)

It’s been a Christmas to remember so far in Barry after a hugely successful lights switch-on in the town on November 30.

• Watch as Barry turns on its Christmas lights

Barry’s ‘Christmas festival’ light switch-on, as it was termed, ran from the 30th through to December 2 with the elf run on December 3 culminating in the town’s Christmas events.

And, yes that’s right! Santa was there!!

Fred Claus came down from the North Pole to the only place to be in Christmas, Barry! Where he turned on the lights at the switch-on and hung around to hand the medals out at the elf run before heading back to the day job of making sure presents are ready to be delivered for Christmas Day.

What are you most looking forward to in the run-up to Christmas? Let us know in comments and on our Facebook page!

Story in Barry? Email harry.jamshidian@newsquest.co.uk.