This event is on Sunday December 1st 2024. Registration begins at 9:30AM, and the run begins at 11AM.
The course is 5000m (5k) long. The course is at Peel Park, Salford and is a mixture of tarmac paths and grass. Some sections of the course may accumulate mud, leaves and puddles after rain. There will be course marshals and signage throughout the course to follow.
Please, wherever possible walk, jog, cycle or use public transport when attending the event. If you do have to drive, please consider car-sharing to reduce our impact on both the environment and other park users. Please also watch out for other park users when arriving and leaving. Parking may be limited so try to arrive early.
We start and finish by the statue in the middle of Peel Park, near the playground. This is a two lap course by the river and around a football pitch and the park. It is mainly on good quality paths except for a short section on grass, which can get muddy.
Toilets are available before parkrun in the sports centre at the top end of the park (next to the student union). After the Mental Elf Run 2024 toilets are also available in Atmosphere Cafe in University House/student union, overlooking Peel Park where we meet for a brew.
There is a children’s play area next to the start/finish line.
Peel Park is right behind Salford Museum and Art Gallery – pay them a visit and walk down their replica Victorian street! The museum is free.
The Mental Elf Run 2024 is a fun event organised by Mind in Salford. We wish to make the event as safe as possible, so participants, spectators and helpers are asked to take care about the following:
Please be considerate to the park and other park users at all times.
Children under the age of eleven must be accompanied (within arm’s reach) throughout the event by a parent, guardian or appropriate adult of the parent’s choice.
Please arrive by foot, by pedal-power or by public transport if you can – your efforts help to reduce our impact on the park and the planet.
Take care on near roads and car parks – some vehicles drive very quickly. Please congregate away from the cars and be careful in particular if you have children. If you’re driving to the event, please drive carefully even if you’re late!
Take care on uneven surfaces – whether on grass or on tarmac. Watch out for cyclists, other participants, pedestrians, children, dogs, wildlife, park animals, vehicles, park maintenance work, falling branches, bollards, posts and other obstacles around the course.
Please ensure that you are fit enough to walk, jog, run 5k (3.1 miles) with us.
If you see someone with a serious problem, please stop to help them out and get help as soon as possible.
If you’re watching, keep clear of participants on the course, and look after any children and dogs you may have with you.
You are welcome to take part with one dog by your side, within reach at all times, on a short, handheld, non-extendable lead.
Runners pushing buggies are welcome, but please take care of others around you and do your best to start at an appropriate place in the field for your pace.
We hope these tips help to ensure that the Mental Elf Run 2024 is fun and safe for everyone.
Bus: You can get on any of the following buses, which will take you to The Crescent (right outside the University front entrance for Peel Park):
8, 12, 26, 31, 32, X34, 36, 37, 38, X61, 67, 100.
Train: Salford Crescent station is located on the main University campus between Peel Park and Frederick Road. Direct services run to and from Manchester Airport, Manchester Piccadilly and Manchester Victoria, as well as Blackpool, Bolton, Buxton, Blackburn, Southport, Preston, Lancaster and Barrow-in-Furness. Manchester Piccadilly is about ten minutes on the train from Salford Crescent.
Peel Park is located between Crescent (A6) and Frederick Street alongside the River Irwell and close to Salford University. It is a 30 minute walk from Manchester city centre to the park.
From Salford Crescent train station the park is a 10 minute walk. On exiting the station turn left and walk down Crescent (A6), past the University. Turn left to walk down the footpath between the University and the River Irwell, signed Peel Park.
From Salford University bus stop continue along Crescent (A6), turning left to walk down the footpath between the University and the River Irwell, signed Peel Park.
From Irwell Place car park, walk down Irwell Place to Crescent (A6). Cross over the road and take the footpath between the University and the River Irwell, signed Peel Park.
M6 (from North) – J30 for M61, follow instr. from M61.
M6 (from North/South) – J21a for M62 E, follow instr. for M62.
M61 (from North) – just after J3, stay in inside lane for A580 Manchester which then becomes A6 Salford/Manchester. Continue on, ignore signs for Salford Shopping City, avoid inside lane. After underpass follow signs to University.
M62 (from West) – J12 for M602 J3. Keep in inside lane & turn left on to A5063. Follow signs for Salford/Pendleton. At 2nd lights, turn left on to A6 for Frederick Rd and Irwell Valley sites or right for Peel Park & Adelphi sites.
M56 (from South) – after J4 stay in inside lane, take M60. Leave M60 at J12 for M602 (see instr. for M602 above).
M60 (from East) – J17, left on to A56 into Manchester. Turn right off A56 onto A576. Straight on to 2nd roundabout. Turn left onto A6. Avoid inside lane.
From Manchester/Salford Inner Relief Rd – exit for A6 Salford. The University is 1/2 mile away.
From Manchester City Centre – follow signs for Salford, then signs for University of Salford.
From A580 – turn onto A5185 Lancaster Rd & then right on to A576 (Eccles Old Rd).
Car Parking: Irwell Place Car Park
Opposite the University of Salford just off The Crescent, M5 4PE.
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The entrance to the car park is opposite the entrance to Peel Park and the big red Salford sign on the Crescent.
Parking in any other University car park without paying will result in a fine. You can pay by cash, card and Pay by Phone app. Please allow a few minutes to get from the car park to Peel Park.
There is limited disabled parking as well as a few pay and display bays directly outside Salford Museum and Art Gallery.
