MICHENDORF: More than a thousand people kitted out in red Santa suits trimmed with white fur and pointed hats ran through the streets of the small town of Michendorf near Berlin on Sunday in an annual Christmas-themed event.

Around 1,100 adults and children, some wearing long white beards, braved the cold to take part in races that ranged from one to ten kilometres in length.

Benedikt Statt, who won the 10 kilometre men’s race, said: “It’s a really good feeling - a good course, good atmosphere and perfect weather. It was fun!” Meanwhile, more than 7,000 people dressed as Santa Claus ran through central Madrid on Sunday in a charity race raising money for cancer care.

Sacrificing comfort for a good cause, racegoers donned red robes, Santa hats and billowing white beards to run 5 km along Madrid’s famous Paseo de la Castellana avenue.

Children also took part, many dressing in green robes and elf hats in what organisers claim is the largest Santa-themed race in the world.

Agencies