Entertainment

8 of the best pictures from London’s largest Santa run

Yes, that is a dog dressed as Father Christmas.
Yes, that is a dog dressed as Father Christmas. Yes, that is a dog dressed as Father Christmas.

Charity runners got into the Christmas spirit in their own energetic way this weekend by taking part in the London Santa Run in Victoria Park.

With the run celebrating its 10th anniversary, the east London park was transformed into a festive course where participants could complete one circuit at 5km or go round twice for 10km.

The mood was more light-hearted than competitive, as this Santa conga demonstrates.

Participants taking part in the London Santa Run in Victoria Park, east London
Participants taking part in the London Santa Run in Victoria Park, east London (Yui Mok/PA) (Yui Mok/PA Wire/PA Images)

Meanwhile, festive snacks were on offer to the myriad merry runners to guzzle down.

Participants take some mince pies after taking part in the London Santa Run, in Victoria Park, London
Participants take some mince pies after taking part in the London Santa Run, in Victoria Park, London (Yui Mok/PA) (Yui Mok/PA Wire/PA Images)

Even Santa needs to cool off once in a while, such as when he’s delivering presents to Australia.

Participants taking part in the London Santa Run in Victoria Park, east London
Participants taking part in the London Santa Run in Victoria Park, east London (Yui Mok/PA) (Yui Mok/PA Wire/PA Images)

It wasn’t all about the Santa costumes though. A cracker, a snowman and a Santa walk into a bar …

Participants taking part in the London Santa Run in Victoria Park, east London
Participants taking part in the London Santa Run in Victoria Park, east London (Yui Mok/PA) (Yui Mok/PA Wire/PA Images)

And what would Christmas be without the elves to make the toys?

Participants taking part in the London Santa Run in Victoria Park, east London
Participants taking part in the London Santa Run in Victoria Park, east London (Yui Mok/PA) (Yui Mok/PA Wire/PA Images)

Does anybody recognise this purple monster?

Participants taking part in the London Santa Run in Victoria Park, east London
Participants taking part in the London Santa Run in Victoria Park, east London (Yui Mok/PA) (Yui Mok/PA Wire/PA Images)

And last but by no means least, there were of course dogs on show.

Participants and their dog taking part in the London Santa Run in Victoria Park, east London
Participants and their dog taking part in the London Santa Run in Victoria Park, east London (Yui Mok/PA) (Yui Mok/PA Wire/PA Images)
Lizzie Wall with Matilda, her 15-week-old Miniature dachshund, taking part in the London Santa Run in Victoria Park, east London
Lizzie Wall with Matilda, her 15-week-old Miniature dachshund, taking part in the London Santa Run in Victoria Park, east London (Yui Mok/PA) (Yui Mok/PA Wire/PA Images)

Remember – dogs are for life, not just for Santa runs.