Santa on the run
People all around the world annually embrace the Christmas spirit to help raise money for sick, disadvantaged and special needs children by running, walking, biking, or even skiing in a variety of Santa or Father Christmas suits. Festive running for a good cause brings out thousands of participants for charity and fun.
A participant cheers as he starts the Santa Run for Wishes charity run along the Marina Promenade in Singapore's central business district, Nov. 29, 2014.
Germany
Runners dressed as Father Christmas start in the Nikolaus Lauf (Santa Claus Run) in the east German town of Michendorf, southwest of Berlin, Dec. 7, 2014.
Germany
A runner dressed as Father Christmas pushes a baby stroller during the Nikolaus Lauf (Santa Claus Run) in the east German town of Michendorf, southwest of Berlin, Dec. 7, 2014.
Maine
Skiers and snowboarders dressed as Santa participate in a charity run down a slope at Sunday River Ski Resort in Newry, Maine, Dec. 7, 2014.
Organizers say 250 skiing Santas raised $2700 for charity at the event.
Maine
Skiers and snowboarders dressed as Santa Claus ride the chair lift to participate in a charity run down a slope at Sunday River Ski Resort in Newry, Maine, Dec. 7, 2014.
Organizers say 250 skiing Santas raised $2700 for charity at the event.
Maine
Skiers and snowboarders dressed as Santa Claus ride a chair lift to participate in a charity run down a slope at Sunday River Ski Resort in Newry, Maine, Dec. 7, 2014.
Organizers say 250 skiing Santas raised $2700 for charity at the event.
Maine
Skiers and snowboarders dressed as Santa Claus are reflected in a skier's goggles before participating in a charity run down a slope at Sunday River Ski Resort in Newry, Maine, Dec. 7, 2014.
Organizers say 250 skiing Santas raised $2700 for charity at the event.
Tokyo
People dressed in Santa Claus costumes participate in the Tokyo Santa Run at a park in Tokyo, Dec. 6, 2014.
Hundreds of "Santas" participated in the 2.5km (1.5 miles) charity run to raise funds for children ahead of the upcoming Christmas season.
England
Thousands of runners dressed in Santa Claus outfits compete in the annual Santa Dash in Liverpool, northern England, Dec. 7, 2014.
Over 8000 people were expected to compete in the annual event which is run over a 5km (3 mile) course.
England
People dressed as Santa Claus walk down a road ahead of the start of the annual Santa Dash in Liverpool, northern England, Dec. 7, 2014.
Over 8000 people were expected to compete in the annual event which is run over a 5km (3 mile) course.
London
Runners dressed in Santa Claus outfits warm up before they compete in the annual Santa Run in Victoria Park, east London Dec. 7, 2014.
Sydney
Thousands of runners in Father Christmas suits pose for a group photo after completing an annual Santa fun run from Darling Harbour to the Sydney Opera House in Sydney, Dec. 7, 2014.
The annual event is held each year as a fundraiser to assist disadvantaged children with equipment and programs to help them live a fuller life.
Sydney
Runners in Father Christmas suits pose for a 'selfie' photo after completing an annual Santa fun run from Darling Harbour to the Sydney Opera House in Sydney, Dec. 7, 2014.
The annual event is held each year as a fundraiser to assist disadvantaged children with equipment and programs to help them live a fuller life.
England
A combination photograph shows dogs waiting to run with their owners in an annual charity Santa fun run in Loughborough, England, Dec. 7, 2014.
Bucharest
Costumed participants attend the "Santa Claus Run" in Mogosoaia, near Bucharest, Romania, Dec. 6, 2014.
Approximately one hundred participants attended the event organized for the benefit of the Romanian Association of Pediatric Orthopedists and Traumatologists.
Budapest
Runners dressed in Santa Claus costumes take part in the 'Santa Claus Run' in Budapest, Dec. 6, 2014.
Approximately 3,000 runners took part this year.
London
Runners dressed in Santa Claus outfits warm up before they compete in the annual Santa Run in Victoria Park, east London Dec. 7, 2014.
Tokyo
People dressed in Santa costumes pose for pictures during the Tokyo Santa Run at a park in Tokyo Dec. 6, 2014.
Hundreds of people wearing costumes participated in the 2.5km (1.5 miles) charity run on Saturday to raise funds for children ahead of the upcoming Christmas season.
England
Competitors dressed in Santa costumes look from a coffee shop before an annual charity Santa fun run in Loughborough, central England, Dec. 7, 2014.
Germany
A man dressed as Father Christmas rides a bicycle during the Nikolaus Lauf (Santa Claus Run) in the east German town of Michendorf, southwest of Berlin Dec. 7, 2014.
Athens
Runners wearing Santa Claus costumes take part in the first Athens 'Santa Claus Run' in the center of Athens, Greece, Dec. 7, 2014 .
Tokyo
People dressed in Santa costumes rest on the ground after participating in the Tokyo Santa Run at a park in Tokyo, Dec. 6, 2014.
Hundreds of people wearing costumes participated in the 2.5km (1.5 miles) charity run to raise funds for children ahead of the upcoming Christmas season.
England
A dog sits with a competitor dressed as Santa Claus before an annual charity Santa fun run in Loughborough, central England Dec. 7, 2014.