Santa elves run to raise money for kids in Canada

With only five days left for Christmas, a group of Santa elves went for a run in Stanley Park in Canada's coastal city of Vancouver.

Nearly 200 Santas on Sunday came to take part in the first ever Big Elf Run, which aims to raise funds for a local children's charity, Xinhua r3eported.

Big Elf Run organiser Baxter Bayer said he enjoyed athletic events and charitable events. He thought it would be really fun to have a big elf run in Vancouver.

The event has partnered with the Big Brothers of Greater Vancouver, an organisation that teams up young disadvantaged boys for activities and fun.

One local blogger and runner, Gord Kurenoff, said the number of charitable runs was increasing in Vancouver, and he came to every one of them.

"Vancouver prides itself on being a healthy community, and I know our mayor would like us to use less vehicles, so there's a lot more walking, a lot more running. We're the home to some great amazing athletes for the Olympics who train here," Kurenoff added.

The event will collect toys, clothes and funds for young people in Vancouver. But for some others, the run was simply about having a good time and a pleasant Sunday in the park.